By Asa Maina
Old students of Kagongo primary school in Chinga ward in Othaya, Nyeri County, have formed an organization that will be offering scholarships to needy learners from the institution.
Kagongo primary school alumni organization chairman John Gathenya said the organization registered as a Community Based Organization (CBO) will also help improve the school’s infrastructure among other interventions.
Gathenya said they have kicked off by paying fees for secondary school students but the aim is to sponsor needy students through secondary, college and university education.
The CBO has already offered scholarships to three students who will now have their school fees paid in full for their four-year secondary school course.
The organization has put in place a vetting committee that will be vetting and evaluating neediness of students for the scholarship.
The CBO will be marshaling resources from alumni, international and local donors, well-wishers and people of goodwill to fund its activities.
Other than offering scholarships, the alumni also aim to equip the school with computers, books, stationery, internet and software and improve infrastructure among others.
Gathenya, a professor at Kenyatta University, called on those who have succeeded in life to go back to their former schools and help.
He said that by improving education and helping students to transition, the number of idlers, crime and other vices will reduce.
The CBO had its members grow from the initial 21 to 65 members after its registration a month ago and it is targeting a membership of over 1000.
Its aim is to bring the alumni together, mobilize funds and partner with parents, teachers, pupils and other stakeholders to raise education standards.
Gathenya said the goal will be realized by awarding excellence, motivating and mentoring pupils, giving materials and financial resources towards the development of the school and supporting needy pupils to transition to secondary, tertiary education and successful career life.
“Other areas of intervention will cover bench-marking with the best performing schools, pupils and students’ welfare such as feeding, provision of uniform, face masks and sanitizers among others,” he said.
The 26 KCPE candidates were also given shoes, socks, face mask, pens, and pencils among other items to motivate them.
The three scholarship beneficiaries: Brenda Nyambura who is joining Mahiga Girls, Denis Mugo who is joining Kiamuya secondary and Evanson Muraya who is joining Endarasha boys thanked the alumni for the help.
Muraya’s mother Esther Gitonga said they had lost hope of taking their children to secondary school for lack of fees.
