Nandi: Teachers hold fundraiser for needy student who left home with only Ksh.250 to report to school

Lack of fees and other materials necessary for admission to St. Joseph's Girls High School in Chepterit, Nandi County, did not deter Cynthia Wafula Nangila from her quest to advance her education.

Armed with Ksh.250 gifted to her for topping in languages in her school and her academic documents, the 13-year-old girl from Likuyani, Kakamega County, set off for the school where her only hope for a bright future lies.

The money brought Cynthia to as far as Mosoriot centre, which is approximately 15 kilometers away from the school, and were it not for curious residents who were attracted by the girl's inquisitive nature and assisted her to get to her destination, she could have trekked.

"I didn't know about St. Joseph Girls so I borrowed a phone from a friend and decided to Google about the school and it's location. By the time I received a calling letter, my mother was not at home. I was worried about my future and hence set for a journey to an unknown destination,” she told Citizen Digital.

“I had only Ksh.250 given to me as present when I topped in English and Kiswahili subjects during mock exams last year back in primary. I boarded a matatu from Mukunga to Eldoret and paid Ksh.150. From Eldoret I took another matatu to Mosoriot and bargained to pay Ksh.50. From Mosoriot to Chepterit I was offered a lift after a matatu conductor shared my story."

On the second day of admission at the institution, word quickly spread of a girl who came with nothing but a birth certificate, admission letter and a few supporting documents.

Teachers and parents held a quick fundraiser to buy her school uniforms and shoes, with the administration pledging to support her through her four-year stay at the institution.

Cynthia expressed her joy and promised to excel in her studies in order to change the situation of her parents and siblings back in Lukuyani.

“The kindness of the parents and teachers of this school has warmed my heart. My dream of becoming a neurosurgeon was today given a big boost,” an emotional Cynthia added.

Cynthia scored 395 marks at St. Theresa Primary School in Mukunga, Lukuyani Constituency, but due to the poverty situation at home, she was not able to make any preparation towards her admission to secondary school.

She narrated how her father abandoned their family years ago, and how lack of money to put her through secondary school drove her mother away, leaving Cynthia with her three siblings alone.

Speaking to Citizen Digital on phone, St. Joseph’s Chepterit Girls High School Principal Francesca Chepkwony said there are several needy girls at the institution, noting that the administration is doing everything possible to keep them in school regardless.