Needy learners in Webuye West Sub-county have received a major boost after the Joseph Waswa Foundation disbursed bursaries worth Ksh 1.1 million to support students in higher learning institutions.
The beneficiaries, drawn from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and universities, received the funds during an event held at Matulo Friends Comprehensive School.
According the organisers, the bursary programme is aimed at easing financial challenges that often hinder students from vulnerable backgrounds from accessing and completing their education.
Speaking during the event, foundation patron Joseph Waswa said the initiative seeks to ensure that no deserving learner is left behind due to lack of school fees. He observed that many students from the area have the potential to excel academically but are often held back by financial constraints.
“Education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and communities. Through this bursary programme, we want to give hope to learners and ensure they stay focused on their academic journey,” he said.
Waswa emphasized that the foundation is committed to supporting education at all levels, noting that investing in young people is key to sustainable development. He added that the foundation will continue to expand its programmes to reach more beneficiaries in the coming years.
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In the same event, the foundation extended its support to primary school learners by donating school uniforms and exercise books to pupils from Grade One to Six in Sitikho and Matulo wards. The donation is expected to significantly improve learning conditions and enhance school attendance among young learners.
Teachers who attended the event said lack of basic learning materials and proper school uniforms has been a major challenge for many pupils, particularly those from underprivileged families. They noted that some learners are forced to miss school due to lack of essential items, affecting their academic progress.
“This support will restore dignity among learners and motivate them to remain in school. When a child has proper uniform and learning materials, their confidence and performance improves,” said one teacher.
Parents also expressed gratitude to the foundation, describing the initiative as timely and impactful. They said the rising cost of living has made it difficult for many households to adequately support their children’s education, especially for families with multiple school-going children.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) officials led by Bungoma East Branch Executive Secretary Robert Mandila lauded the foundation for the intervention, terming it a crucial step towards improving access to education in the region.
Mandila noted that while the government continues to invest in education, there is still a significant gap that requires support from community-based organizations and well-wishers. He said initiatives such as those spearheaded by the Joseph Waswa Foundation play a complementary role in ensuring learners are retained in school.
“This kind of support is critical in ensuring that learners not only access education but also complete their studies. It helps reduce dropout rates and gives hope to students from vulnerable backgrounds,” Mandila said.
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He further called on other individuals, leaders and organizations to emulate the foundation’s efforts and invest in education as a way of empowering communities.
Religious leaders present at the event also praised the foundation for its continued investment in education and community welfare. They urged sustained support for such initiatives, noting that education is a shared responsibility that requires collective effort.
“This is a noble gesture that reflects the importance of giving back to society. We encourage more stakeholders to support such initiatives so that more children can benefit,” one of the religious leaders said.
The event brought together members of the teaching fraternity, religious leaders and local residents, creating a platform for engagement on the challenges facing learners in the area and possible solutions.
Over the years, the Joseph Waswa Foundation has established itself as a key player in supporting education and community development initiatives in Webuye West. Through bursaries, donations of learning materials and other support programmes, the foundation has impacted hundreds of learners and families.
Stakeholders noted that such initiatives are increasingly important at a time when the cost of education continues to rise, making it difficult for many families to meet school-related expenses.
They emphasized the need for sustained partnerships between community organizations, leaders and well-wishers to ensure that no learner is left behind due to financial challenges.
As the beneficiaries embark on their academic journeys with renewed hope, the foundation’s intervention stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and the impact of community-driven support in shaping a brighter future for the next generation.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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