By Achola Bulimo Mathews
One hundred and eleven bright but needy students from Bungoma County have received a four-year scholarship to facilitate their secondary school education under the Elimu Scholarship Programme.
While officially launching the scholarship beneficiaries at St Chrispin ACK Church in Bungoma town, Bungoma South sub county Senior Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Mrs. Christine Chacha Wafula noted that it was not an easy task to vet a total of 1,682 needy students who had applied for the funding.
Mrs Wafula said that they picked children from poor backgrounds and who are either total orphans or their parents are physically challenged.
The Senior ACC urged parents and guardians to always apply for sponsorship initiatives on time so as to be considered.
“Nowadays, there so many scholarship programmes. No child should stay at home with the excuse of lack of school fees,” said Mrs. Wafula.
Her sentiments were echoed by Equity Bank Bungoma Town Branch Manager Mr. Ali who noted that the students will be going through mentorship and coaching in order to maintain a good academic track record while in secondary school.
One of the parents who is also a widow, Mrs. Sarah Nafula Ekesa thanked Equity Bank for sponsoring her child.
Another parent and widow, Mrs. Priscah Nanjala from Sirisia sub county whose child, Simon Chemasuet added that the sponsorship has greatly aided her to ease the school fees burden.
An orphan, Anne Juma who studied at Makutano Primary School and got 355 marks said she aspires to be a doctor in the future. She is set to join Form One at St Monica Chakol Girls in Busia County.
