Orphans and vulnerable children from Kulumbeni sub-location in Matete sub-county of Kakamega County received a donation of uniforms from a group of vegetable and sweet potato farmers from the area.
Speaking during the event held at Lumani trading center in Chevaywa ward, Lumani small-scale farmers group chairman Mr Enoch Khaemba regretted how the children were being embarrassed and stigmatized for wearing tattered uniforms.
He said some didn’t have uniforms completely, a move he observed was negatively affecting their performance in class.
“Some of these children even fear raising a hand to answer questions when asked by the teacher because they are forced to answer while standing and with torn shorts and dresses at the back, they feel embarrassed. Now they have uniforms, we hope they will no longer feel embarrassed,” said Mr. Khaemba, commenting on the daunting stigma that can affect a child if he or she attends school without a uniform.
According to Khaemba, the donation was raised from their little savings from the sale of vegetables and sweet potatoes.
He said the group deals with growing and selling vegetables and sweet potatoes whereby each member gives a contribution of Kshs. 20 on a weekly basis towards the group’s projects.
The chairman appealed to other well-wishers to join hands in supporting the disadvantaged children to make them feel accepted in the community and thus improve school attendance.
The beneficiaries expressed their joy and thanked the farmers for working tirelessly to see that they live a good life and enjoy living in the society like other children.