A 15-year-old girl from Butula Constituency in Busia shocked many when she turned up for admission in form one at Buduma Girls Secondary School without anything after missing studies for the entire first term.
Joyce Atieno, an orphan and the fifth child born in a family of six, had lost hope of continuing with her studies as her sickly grandma, who lives with her, could not raise fees to enable her to join secondary school.
On Monday, dressed in her primary school uniform, she gathered courage and went to the principal’s office, and upon interrogation by the school head, Ms. Elizabeth Otieno, it was discovered that she had nothing besides her primary school uniform and sandals.
“I decided to walk to the principal’s office and plead with her to let me continue with my studies as I look for well-wishers,” she told KNA.
The principal gave her a uniform and books before trying to reach out to the area MP, as she clearly understood the background of the girl.
“This girl has taken a bold step, which moved my heart to allow her even as I seek well-wishers and leaders from within to see how we can help her achieve her dream,” Elizabeth said.
On learning about the girl’s plight, Butula MP, Mr. Joseph Oyula, promised to pay school fees for the entire period the girl will be in school.
On the other hand, Joyce promised to work hard to achieve her dream of becoming a teacher and assisting other girls from humble backgrounds like her.
“I thank God for lighting my way again; I won’t disappoint those who have supported me this far. I want to remain focused on my goal of pursuing a teaching career to enable me to reach out to other needy girls in society,” she said.
The school principal promised to help her catch up with other girls who have already settled for the second term.
By Absalom Namwalo
