By Erick Nyayiera
Though she sat her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams 18 years ago, Eveline Achieng’s hopes of pursuing her education had been dashed as her mother could not raise school fees.
But the 35-year-old mother of one reported to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology recently, thanks to a Non-Governmental Organization that has pledged to pay her fees.
The former student of Rangala Girls High School in Siaya County was admitted to the university after Safeguard Orphans and Widows (SOWO) came to her rescue.
Earlier on, Achieng stayed at home for 13 years after sitting her (KCPE) and gave birth in the course. Despite spending over a decade at home, Achieng who was determined to achieve her childhood dreams joined form one in 2013.
“I sat KCPE and got 429 marks out of 700 and missed to join my dream school due to lack of fees. But later, it was through Safeguard Orphans and Widows (SOWO) that I got sponsorship for secondary education,” says Achieng.
But she did not just complete Form Four for the sake of it; the mother of a 15-year-old scored C (plain), shocking even her teachers.
The second born in a family of eight, who is now pursuing a Diploma course in Special Needs Education, says she was tired of being idle and opted to join a local polytechnic where she pursued a course in tailoring and dress making for two years.
She saved every coin she got to pursue her dream and also to provide for her family since her mother, who is also a widow is a peasant farmer.
Her decision to rejoin school, however, faced hurdles. The major one was finding a school that could accommodate her schedule as a parent. She shared her frustrations with friends and as fate would have it, word reached SOWO.
After waiting for more than six months and almost giving up, Achieng was called to join Rangala Girls School where she sat her KCSE exams last year.
Although unsure how other students, younger than her siblings would receive her, Achieng felt it better to face the challenge than endure frustrations anymore in the village. She was received well with both the teachers and students.
“It wasn’t easy for the first few weeks to adapt to the new environment but after opening up and sharing my life experience with fellow students and teachers, they came to understand me. Most of the girls would come to me for advice and I made many friends,” she recalls.
Achieng, who wants to be a role model to her sibling, attributed her success to hard work and determination.
She added, “There are a lot of challenges facing the girl-child and I believe if we put more emphasis on education, we can be above the rest. Women should not shy away from going back to school. I thank all those who have stood with me and I will not let them down.”
According to SOWO Co-ordinator Ken Ayim, Achieng is among the more than 500 people that they are supporting.
“This was a bright and needy girl who only dropped out of school due to lack of school fees but was determined to fulfill her dreams,” Ayim told Education News.
