Mugoiri Girls' alumni plan drive to raise Sh3m to support needy students

Bishop James Maria Wainaina from Murang'a Catholic Diocese with Mugoiri Old Girls Association members at the school /ALICE WAITHERA

Former students of Mugoiri Girls' High School in Murang’a county have organised a charity walk aimed at raising Sh3 million to support vulnerable learners.

The initiative dubbed ‘Walk for Her’ has been organised by the Mugoiri Old Girls Association (Moga) and will take place on Saturday. It brings together alumni, current students, teachers, parents, community members and the Catholic Church, which sponsors the school.

Funds raised during the walk will go towards the association’s bursary kitty, which helps students from disadvantaged backgrounds remain in school and complete their education.

Moga chairperson Victoria Kamau said the initiative is part of the association’s broader effort to support the welfare and development of students at the school.

She said the alumni association runs four key programmes, including bursary support, mentorship, alumni networking and development initiatives aimed at supporting the institution.

Kamau said the bursary programme specifically targets students who face financial challenges that could otherwise force them to drop out of school.

“The main reason we raise bursaries is to make sure we can hold the hands of our younger sisters and walk with them so they are able to finish school,” she said.

Through the mentorship programme, alumni also return to the school to encourage students and share experiences about their academic and professional journeys, helping them build confidence and ambition.

The upcoming walk is expected to mobilise support from the school community and well-wishers who wish to contribute to the education of vulnerable girls.

Kamau urged individuals, organisations and foundations to partner with the association by participating in the walk or contributing towards the bursary fund through the association’s Paybill number 400222, Account number 320714.

Mugoiri Girls' deputy principal in charge of academics Rose Wachira said the support from the alumni association has been instrumental in keeping vulnerable learners in school.

The school currently has a student population of 2,087 girls across Grade 10, Form 3 and Form 4.

Out of this number, Wachira said more than 200 students come from extremely needy backgrounds and rely heavily on bursary support to continue with their education.

She recalled a recent case where three students joining Grade 10 reported to school without basic personal belongings due to financial difficulties.

Despite the challenges, the school leadership decided to retain them as the alumni association worked on ways to support them through the bursary programme.

“We are very happy because these girls will now have hope for their future. Through the support from Moga, many students have been able to remain in school and complete their studies,” Wachira said.

One of the notable success stories involved a student who had dropped out of school and stayed home for three years due to lack of school fees.

With support from the alumni association, the student was able to return to school in 2024, complete her studies and score a university entry grade.

“Today she is in university, which shows the impact such support can have on a student’s life,” Wachira said.

Bishop James Maria Wainaina from the Catholic Diocese of Murang’a who’s the patron of the association, praised the alumni for organising the charity event, noting that supporting education for disadvantaged children aligns with the church’s mission of charity and social support.

He said the initiative ensures no child is left behind due to poverty and urged more people to support the cause.

“This is a very laudable initiative because it supports girls who cannot afford school fees due to the financial status of their families,” he said.

Across Kenya, bursaries play a critical role in enabling students from low-income households to access and complete secondary education.

Although the government provides capitation funds to public secondary schools, the allocation often only covers part of the cost of education, leaving parents responsible for additional expenses such as boarding, uniforms and learning materials.

As a result, many students rely on bursaries from county governments, the National Government Constituencies Development Fund, religious organisations and alumni groups to remain in school.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

The school currently has a student population of 2,087 girls out of which more than 200 students come from extremely needy backgrounds and rely heavily on bursary support to continue with their education.

One of the notable success stories involved a student who had dropped out of school and stayed home for three years due to lack of school fees but was able to return to school in 2024, complete her studies and score a university entry grade with the association's support.