Despite majority of Kenyans undervaluing and snubbing adult education a section of Lugari residents have taken the education seriously with hopes of realizing their dreams and prosper in their lives.
According to Veronica Mukhwana 38, from Kona Mbaya village in Lumakanda location, she went back to school following the harsh economic times.
“Getting a job has been difficult and also to fulfill my dream passion of becoming a pastor,” She noted.
She is married and blessed with 6 children, 4 boys and 2 girls.
“Three are in secondary and 3 in primary. When I explained to them my desire to go back to school, they welcomed it and encouraged me to go ahead. Life challenges and doing odd jobs for people was not helping thus the need to advance,” she said.
She’s always up by 4am. She milks the cow; prepare breakfast and the young ones to go to school before she embarks on other house chores.
“I’m usually in class by 7am. Balancing house chores and studies is strenuous at times. You have to cook early and ensure children eat and sleep on time so that you can get humble time to study and complete assignment. Also you have to help the children complete their assignment before you do yours. My wish is to get primary certificate before I advance my career in evangelism since I have always wanted to minister the word of God and before I do that, I must gain knowledge,” she noted.
Another student, Luke Barasa aged 36, went back to school in 2018 after staying home for 16 years after completing primary education in 2002.
“My parents didn’t have school fees to pay for my secondary education. I decided to train for mechanic but still I had the desire to continue studying. My dream came true when I joined Lumakanda Township adult centre where I’m sitting K.C.S.E this month. I’m optimistic I will emerge with a quality grade. What pushed me most, in 2012 I wanted to vie for MCA seat but I didn’t have the certificate as required by IEBC. I would like to be in Parliament and help legislate bills that will develop and have positive impact to the locals,” he noted.
His career aspiration is to become a teacher since most of the time while in school he helps learners who have difficulties in mathematics.
The father of two children says his family and neighbors have been his greatest motivator.
“My family encouraged me to go back to school but some people in the community discourage adult education through negative sentiment. They think you’re wasting time or you won’t pass examination,” he said.
According to him he wakes up at 4.a.m, does revision before cutting Napier grass for his livestock.
“I am usually in school by 6:30am and leave at 5:30 pm. My wife encourages me to press on and achieve my career desires. She got C- in her examination, however she would like to go back to school and get C+ and above so that she can join university. Despite that, she’s a farmer and a tailor thus ensuring our family doesn’t lack food,” he noted.
The Sub County Adult Education Officer (SCAEO), Justina Mmasi said unlike previous years where adult education was meant for those who didn’t know how to read and write, things have changed and it gives opportunity to its learners to sit national examinations.
“We have qualified teachers who offer quality education to our adult learners so that they compete favorably with young learners,” said Justina.
She encourages adults who didn’t get an opportunity to sit KCPE or KCSE examinations to enroll in adult and continuing education as an avenue that will enable them realize their dreams.
