- A Grade 10 learner has returned to school after well-wishers cleared her outstanding fees.
- Her mother says repeated fee challenges had left the learner distressed and out of school.
- Well-wishers also provided a new uniform while the school offered counselling and guidance support.
A Grade 10 girl from St Angela Sengera Girls’ School is now settled back in school after well-wishers cleared her fee arrears following a mental health crisis.
According to her mother, Joyce Mokeira, of Eremo village in Nyaribari Masaba Constituency, her daughter had lost hope after being sent home repeatedly in the first and second terms over fee arrears, despite posting good results in internal end-of-term examinations.
Mokeira said the girl, who had stayed home for weeks, became withdrawn and distressed before attempting suicide.
Neighbours who found her in critical condition rushed her to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, where she was resuscitated, treated and counselled by medics. She was later discharged in stable condition.
The mother said the family lives in abject poverty and could not raise the required fees, leaving the girl severely distressed.
Well-wishers clear outstanding fees
Well-wishers led by the local area chief and school alumni, who learnt of the incident through villagers, mobilised funds and cleared the entire fee balance. They also bought her a new school uniform and personal effects.
The school administration has since readmitted the girl and offered guidance and counselling support.
Mokeira thanked the well-wishers for saving her daughter’s life and education, appealing for a permanent bursary to keep her in school.
The incident has renewed attention on the need for schools, families and bursary committees to identify learners experiencing severe financial and emotional difficulties and intervene early.
Education stakeholders have also repeatedly emphasised the importance of accessible guidance and counselling services for learners facing personal, family and financial challenges.
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If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177. In an immediate emergency, call 999 or 112 or seek help at the nearest health facility.
By Enock Okong’o
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