The Elimu Scholarships Have Been Given to 58 Brilliant but Needy Learners in Laikipia for Senior School
They also appealed for parents to be interactive in discussing their children’s education, underscoring the importance of emotional and moral support to stimulate learners to work towards their full potential.
A total of 58 bright and needy students in Laikipia County. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
A total of 58 academically gifted yet financially needy learners in Laikipia County have been awarded the Elimu Scholarship, which allows them to glide smoothly into Grade 10 of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The goal of the scholarship is to ensure that bright students from vulnerable backgrounds get an opportunity for education without financial hindrances.
Scholarships Will Cater for School Fees and Miscellaneous Needs
The scholarship programme will be run by Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF) under the Ministry of Education. The programme will be able to support the beneficiaries for the three-year period of senior secondary school education. The package includes school fees, pocket money, and other basic necessities; hence relieving families financially and allowing the learners to concentrate more on studies.
The formal launch of the scholarship was held on Wednesday in Nanyuki town in the presence of government officials, education stakeholders, parents, and students.
Very Competitive with Limited Slots Available
Mr. Muli said during the event that it was a very competitive course and therefore many applicants turned out for selection list getting over 1000 applications, but only 58 students are available to be selected due to limited available slots. He has been the Secretary of the Selection Committee.
According to Muli, with the government taking the responsibility of paying school fees under the new arrangement of an education system, he asserted that parents do still have roles to play in trying to ensure their children attain completion of education. He called upon the parents to settle any little levies that may arise in the course of the schooling to ensure the learners are comfortable and concentrated in school.
Expansion of Scholarships to Informal Settlements Should Be Considered
The Deputy County Commissioner also called for an increase in the number of scholarships allocated to Laikipia East. He stated that many of this year’s applicants hail from informal settlements like Likii and Majengo, beset by high levels of poverty.
According to Muli, the more scholarships there are, the more inclusivity there will be, and the more learners will not have to suffer due to their economic background.
Discipline and Academic Performance Issues Highlighted
Discipline and academic performance were uppermost among the issues JJKF Laikipia County Coordinator, Mr. Patrick Wakaya, raised with beneficiaries. He warned that any disobedient learners or any failing to perform well in their studies risk losing the scholarship.
Wakaya emphasized that the programme is a big investment for the future of the county and basically the whole country, and the beneficiaries are expected to uphold nothing but the best in all spheres inside and outside school.
Blessings from Beneficiaries and Parents
The beneficiaries said they cannot express enough gratitude to JKF and the government, as this opportunity eases a heavy burden from the parents. They promised to put all their effort into succeeding in their studies and making a significant transformation in society.
They also appealed for parents to be interactive in discussing their children’s education, underscoring the importance of emotional and moral support to stimulate learners to work towards their full potential.
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