By Eric Omwombo
Education Executive Committee Member at the County Government of Siaya Dr Edgar Otumba has urged needy students to follow the process of acquiring bursaries instead of lifting placards on social media.
Dr Otumba warned those encouraging youngsters to parade themselves on social media to think of the long-term psychological implications rather than immediate gratification.
Otumba said his office was open to handle all manner of dire cases of education scholarships.
He also revealed KES 24 million had been reserved for bright and needy students from poor backgrounds slated to join Form One.
“A bursary allocation totalling KES 24 million has been reserved for Form Ones and so it shall benefit bright and needy students whose applications meet the requirements,” said Otumba.
“Let’s now reduce going to social media with placards as that paint Siaya in a bad light,” he added.
Chief Officer Kut Ochogo echoed Dr Otumba’s statements saying despite talking to some of the students and reaching an agreement to fully sponsor them, they still bought placards, felt pens and went on social media seeking financial assistance.
“It’s so hurting when you see students whom you have handled their cases going to social media to seek fee support,” said Ochogo adding that such moves are politically instigated and should be discouraged.
However, Ochogo announced that Mitchell Awuor, from Raliew Primary School who scored 402 marks as per recently released KCPE results has secured a chance at Lugulu Girls through the auspices of his office.
Ochogo said they took care of the girl’s personal effects and fees before escorting her to school since her father could not meet her needs due to her handicapped nature.
In the post that went viral, Mitchell was photographed carrying placards bearing the message; I scored 403 in the 2023 KCPE and secured a chance at Lugulu Girls but due to my parent’s financial status, I might not join secondary school.”
Her plight caught the attention of Siaya Governor James Orengo who immediately directed the Education department to respond to her distress.
Through the Department, Orengo has offered the student a four-year complete scholarship.
“In our view, Education is an equalizer and children of the less fortunate should not be left behind,” said Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo.
Awuor could not hide her joy when she stepped into Lugulu Girls grounds and expressed confidence that her dream of pursuing journalism was kept alive.
“I want to thank my former school for their support that saw me get 402 marks in the 2023 KCPE examination,” said Awuor.
She further appreciated the County Government of Siaya for coming to her aid.
“May I also thank our Governor James Orengo for relief from the distresses I have gone through ever since I got the results,” said a visibly enthralled Awuor.
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