Rangwe Sub County education director Justus Obed Guto (R) hands over a cheque to a school principal in Rangwe town/Robert Omollo
More than 6,400 day scholar students in Rangwe have benefited from bursary funds courtesy of the constituency National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).
The NG-CDF office released cheques worth Sh26.7 million to support the education of less fortunate learners.
The constituency NG-CDF chairman, Robert Kolo, said the vetting committee prioritised vulnerable and deserving students.
Kolo said they started with day scholar learners because they were the majority and the most affected group.
The cheques were handed over to 34 different heads of secondary schools in the constituency.
Rangwe education stakeholders during disbursement of bursary cheques to day's scholars students at the sub county headquarters in Rangwe town/Robert Omollo
“The Rangwe constituency NG-CDF vetting committee considered the neediest and deserving students for bursaries. We wanted every young person to get an equal opportunity to learn without hitches,” Kolo said.
Speaking when they disbursed the cheques to school principals at the NG-CDF offices in Rangwe town, Kolo urged beneficiaries to work hard and succeed academically.
The NG-CDF official was accompanied by the Sub-County Director of Education, Justus Obed Guto.
Rangwe is among the constituencies in Homa Bay County with a high poverty index.
“The bursaries we have given are meant to support the education of children who are ready to learn. We are empowering them to become future educated leaders,” he said.
Guto commended the constituency NG-CDF office for releasing funds on time to support needy students.
He said most schools were on the verge of sending learners with fee arrears back home.
Guto argued that most secondary schools in the constituency operate under inadequate funding, as education policy also bars heads of institutions from sending learners home due to lack of fees.
"The funds are of great benefit not only to students but also to schools that were operating under a financial deficit. We thank school principals for being patient with learners with fee balances," Guto said.
The Sub-County Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) chairman, Joshua Amadi, said most schools have been relieved after the NG-CDF released the cheques.
He urged beneficiaries to concentrate on their academics after receiving the money.
"Some school operations have slowed down due to a shortage of funds to run them. Let beneficiaries focus on academics," Amadi said.
Parents led by Emily Odoyo and Otieno Mumbo said the funds have reduced their burden.
"I am going to spend the little money I had on buying academic materials because the NG-CDF has paid fees for my child. It is a relief to most of us," Odoyo said
