With the ravaging drought having decimated livestock, the main source of livelihood for most families in Kajiado, students and parents were at a loss where to get school fees, to enable them pursue their education.
The situation is however different for 34 needy girls from the County, who now have all the reasons to smile, after Light Up Hope Foundation rekindled their hopes for a better future amidst the bleak situation.
Speaking during the launch of the sponsorship program in Kajiado over the weekend, Light Up Hope Executive Director, Moses Ignatius, said that the program seeks to alleviate poverty by supporting the education of the bright but needy girl child.
“The Foundation focuses on education to light the path out of poverty, as it seeks to contribute significantly, to alleviating poverty not just in Kajiado, but countrywide,” said Ignatius.
Beneficiaries of the program will gain from full payment of school fees, provision of personal effects, payment of transport to and from school during holidays and a cash transfer of Sh5,600 to every parent, to support the child while at home during school holidays.
Ignatius notes that their focus in Kajiado and especially the girl child, was informed by retrogressive cultural practices that have made the girl to lag behind in education, empowerment and the harsh economic conditions they undergo.
Ignatius urged the students to fully utilize the bursary to achieve high grades and warned that low marks and indiscipline cases, will lead to disqualification from the program.
Jeremiah ole Ncharo, the County Executive Committee Member for Education, lauded the Foundation for bringing hope to the County.
“I want to urge the girls to work hard in their studies. The lowest grade we expect from them is a C+,” said Ole Ncharo.
The beneficiary parents could not hide their joy, saying that the Foundation’s assistance came at the right time.
“All my cows were killed by the ongoing drought and that is what I depended on to educate my children. I did not have any other means, but I thank God Light Up Hope, has come to help us during these tough times,” said Elias Sabaya, one of the parents.
Purity Kinayia, one of the beneficiaries is grateful for the lifeline that Light Up Hope has offered her.
“Were it not for Light Up Hope, I would not have joined form-one since my father left home four months out of stress when our last cow was killed by the drought and my mother is the only one who has been fending for us through casual labor. Education was becoming a luxury, as we survived on one meal per day,” said Kinayia.
Light up Hope Foundation started its operations in Kenya in 2012. Apart from the sponsorship, the Light up Hope foundation is also providing food to learners in 167 schools under their school feeding program.
The Foundation also offers university scholarships to top performers among high school program beneficiaries and other non-financial benefits, including mentorship, career guidance and psychological counseling.
By Diana Meneto
