1,474 300
Marion Chelang’at, a 14-year-old girl, wipes her tears of joy as she receives her scholarship letter from Bungoma County Education Chief Officer Nicholas Kiboi on Friday at her home.
Chelang’at, whose parents live in abject poverty at the heart of the remote village of Nomorio in Mt. Elgon sub county, could not believe her eyes when Mr. Kiboi arrived at her home with a T-shirt and letter indicating that she had been absorbed under the scholarship program throughout her secondary education.
The soft-spoken girl, who hails from Elgon Ward, managed to score 361 marks in KCPE at Nomorio R.C. Primary School and was to join Our Lady of Mercy Chebukaka Girls by January 15th.
Basically, her dream of becoming a surgeon had been shattered until the media highlighted her plight, drawing Kiboi’s attention.
“I was saddened to see that such a bright girl’s dream will be buried in broad daylight; that’s why I made an effort to come to Nomorio in an impromptu visit to salvage the dire situation,” noted Kiboi.
On the other hand, he condemned favouritism and corruption that have been rampantly reported by villagers regarding applications for scholarships across the county.
“We had allocated twelve slots for the needy and vulnerable but bright students, but in case we find out any case that isn’t genuine, whoever participated will be in for a rude shock,” he warned sternly.
“Marion has immense potential to change the story of her family, as evident in her academic performance and her endowed ambitions that she has shared with us. She will report to her school of choice to pursue her dreams, and we shall walk with her through this journey to success,” Kiboi reiterated.
He added, “Marion will have to be a beacon of hope to her family and our great Bungoma County at large, despite her humble background.”
Chelang’at’s mother was tongue-tied and could only express her joy in tears, promising to offer full support to her daughter to the best of her ability while thanking the county government of Bungoma wholeheartedly for the positive gesture.
Bungoma County, under the stewardship of Governor Kenneth Lusaka, is dedicated to enhancing the education sector and ensuring 100% transition at all levels, regardless of the students’ backgrounds.
