**By Hillary Muhalya**
Rev. Fr. Van Dongen Senior School in Teso South Constituency has received a major boost to its educational infrastructure following the handover of a new school bus in a ceremony attended by President William Ruto's aide, Farouk Taigut Kibet, and Teso South MP Mary Emase.
The colourful handover ceremony brought together students, teachers, parents and political leaders, marking an important milestone in the school's efforts to improve the learning environment and expand opportunities for its students.
The new bus is expected to address some of the transport challenges facing the institution while making it easier for learners to participate in academic trips, sporting activities, educational competitions and other co-curricular engagements.
Beyond providing transportation, the investment is expected to expose students to learning experiences outside the classroom, broadening their knowledge, confidence and understanding of the world around them.
### Kibet reaffirms commitment to education
Speaking during the occasion, Kibet congratulated the school fraternity and commended MP Mary Emase for her commitment to advancing education and supporting institutions in Teso South.
He reiterated the Government's position that investment in education remains central to national transformation, arguing that quality education provides the foundation upon which individuals, communities and the country can build a prosperous future.
Kibet also underscored Busia County's strategic geographical position as Kenya's gateway to the wider East African and African markets, saying the county deserves deliberate investment to unlock its economic potential.
He observed that improved infrastructure, stronger educational institutions and economic empowerment initiatives would be critical in positioning the border county as an important centre for trade, regional integration and economic growth.
### Leaders call for faster issuance of identity cards
The presidential aide further called for concerted efforts to accelerate the issuance of national identity cards to eligible residents, noting that identification documents remain an essential requirement for accessing Government services and opportunities.
He pointed out that national identity cards enable citizens to benefit from education support programmes, employment opportunities, financial services and other Government interventions.
He urged leaders and administrators to work together to eliminate registration backlogs and ensure that all eligible residents are reached.
Addressing the students, Kibet challenged them to remain disciplined, focused and ambitious, reminding them that education remains one of the most reliable pathways to personal advancement and a better future.
The ceremony was also attended by MPs Emmanuel Wangwe and Innocent Mugabe, Members of the County Assembly and other local leaders, who praised the collaboration between national Government representatives and local leadership in supporting development initiatives.
### New bus to support learning beyond classrooms
The handover highlighted the importance of partnerships in addressing the practical needs of educational institutions.
A school bus, in particular, is more than a transport facility: it is an investment in learners' participation, exposure, safety and all-round development.
For Rev. Fr. Van Dongen Senior School, the new acquisition represents an opportunity to expand students' experiences beyond the classroom and strengthen the institution's capacity to nurture well-rounded learners.
The leaders pledged to sustain their cooperation in advancing education, youth empowerment and grassroots development across Busia County.
Reader Discussion (0)
Sign in to comment