JOY as 132 needy students are sponsored in Elimu Scholarship

 Some 132 needy students from vulnerable families in Embu county who had performed well in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) were today flagged off to join their schools they had been admitted to after receiving Elimu Scholarship. 

Embu County Commissioner Dr Eddysson Nyale (holding Kenyan flag) together with Teresia Migua, the Embu Equity Bank Manager (holding white flag) flag off Elimu Scholarship beneficiary program in Embu town. Photo/BRIAN MUSYOKA

The exercise was led by Equity Manager Embu Branch Ms Teresia Migua and Embu County Commissioner Dr Eddysson Nyale.

While addressing the press after flagging off the students who have benefited from the program in Embu town, Migua said that since inception of the program three years ago, many students have benefited.

The program is a joint sponsorship by the Government of Kenya, Equity Bank and the World Bank. It only picks the needy students from public primary schools.

"This program started three years ago and today we gathered here to give out scholarship to some 132 students who have benefited with the program to join various secondary schools,” said Migua.

The Embu Equity Bank Manager also urged parents not to give up on their students because they are not well off saying that students who excel in their exams can be supported by many programs in place both from government and private entities.

100% Transition

Nyale stated that the program was part of the government’s efforts to effectively ensure there is 100 per cent transition to secondary schools from primary.

"The government has put in place many programs this being one of them to ensure all students have chance to acquire education,” said Dr Nyale.

The Commissioner urged the beneficiaries to utilize the opportunity in secondary schools to excel in their exams so that they can be game changers in their communities.

The county security boss also urged parents who their students have benefited not to give up but put efforts and have an extra coin because the students have other needs which cannot be met by the program.

The program only caters for school fees, transport for both ways, shopping and learning materials.

The county security committee chairperson warned students who have benefited against engaging in behaviours that can jeopardize their education journey saying the scholarship can be withdrawn if student engage in unwanted behaviour.

Nyale also warned those who were still practicing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) against girls that they will face the full force of the law.

Students who managed to secured the scholarship could not hide their joy saying the scholarship had come as a source of happiness to their lives.

"I had lost hopes of joining high school despite scoring higher marks in KCPE but I am thankful to the government and Equity Bank for this positive impact in my life," said one of the students.

STORY By BRIAN MUSYOKA