Over 20,000 students from 47 mixed-day schools in the Alego Usonga constituency, Siaya County have received food donations from the Child Welfare Society of Kenya in partnership with area Member of Parliament, MP Samuel Atandi.
The program aims to improve student retention and create a conducive learning environment amidst challenges such as flooding, early pregnancies and high dropout rates.
The donated food items, which include maize, beans, cowpeas and cooking oil are intended to alleviate hunger and allow students to focus on their studies.
Speaking to the press after handing over foodstuffs, Ben Willis, an officer from the Child Welfare Society of Kenya, affirmed that the program aims to eradicate teenage pregnancy and school dropouts, resulting in a positive impact in the region.
Further, he encouraged students to work hard noting that since the program’s implementation, there has been a marked improvement in class attendance and performance.
“This program that we have partnered with area MP aims to eradicate teenage pregnancy and increase students’ retention in the schools,” Willies stated.
Maurice Owuor, Alego Usonga constituency manager affirmed that the food distributed last October has made a significant difference in schools allowing students to settle in and concentrate on their studies.
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The manager expressed optimism that the prevalence of teenage pregnancies in the area has notably decreased contributing to improved academic outcomes.
“The program has proved to be a “game changer,” helping students achieve direct entry into universities after their exams,” he said.
Maurice Saka, the sub-county director of education for Siaya noted that many parents in Alego face financial difficulties making the program essential in relieving them from the burden of paying for school meals.
He commended the Child Welfare Society of Kenya and the office of the area MP for their contributions emphasizing that the food assistance helps prevent students from dropping out of school to seek employment in mining or fishing to support their families.
School principals, including those from Mwer and Dark Alison Senior Secondary Schools, praised the initiative reporting an increase in academic performance with one school’s mean grade rising from 4 to 5.7 in last year’s KCSE exams.
The Child Welfare Society of Kenya has plans to continue this program to other regions, including Keiyo South in Elgeyo Marakwet, Mogotio in Baringo and Ndhiwa in Homa Bay County as they continue to address issues related to education and student welfare throughout the country from next week.
By Tony Wafula
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