132 bright students from Embu County who come from vulnerable backgrounds have been rewarded for doing well in the 2021 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE).
The students today joined secondary schools under the Elimu Scholarship. The exercise was overseen by the Equity manager for Embu Branch Teresia Migua and Embu County Commissioner, Dr Eddyson Nyale.
Migua revealed the students who had benefitted from the scheme said that many learners this year benefitted from the programme, a record high since the programme’s inception three years ago.
The program is a joint venture by the Kenyan Government, Equity Bank and the World Bank. The program picks only those learners who come from needy backgrounds from public primary schools.
“The program began three years ago and we have gathered here today to give out scholarships to 132 students who have benefitted from the program to join secondary schools,” said Migua.
Migua also implored parents not to give up on their students even though they are not economically capable. She said that students who do well in their examinations can get support from many programmes that have been put in place by the government and private organizations.
On his part, Nyale said that the program was part of the government’s drive to ensure that the 100 per cent transition from primary to secondary schools mandate is fulfilled.
The Commissioner called on the students who benefitted from the program to make good use of the chance they received by doing well in the national examinations so that they can be influential in their communities.
Nyale also parents of the beneficiaries not to relax but work harder and find extra funds because the programmes do not cater for the learners’ needs. The program covers only school fees, transport to and from school, shopping and learning materials.
The county security committee chairperson also issued a warning to students who have benefited not to engage in bad behaviour as this could ruin their education journey, saying that the scholarship can be withdrawn if one behaves inappropriately.
Nyale also urged those practising Female Genital Mutilation that they will not escape the long arm of the government.
The learners were happy to get the scholarship and celebrated the chance with many saying that the scholarship will change their lives.