Bright students from poor families, especially the disabled, in Vihiga county received a boost after Vihiga County women representative Beatrice Adagala issued out the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) Kshs 2.5 million bursary to support them continue with their studies.
Adagala also handed out water tanks which can carry up to 10,000 litres of water to 13 special schools in the County to enable them access water in their learning institutions. She said children in special schools need special attention and there is need for them to be catered for.
She issued bursaries to 253 needy students both from secondary and technical institutions. “We are giving out 2.5 million shillings affirmative action to 253 students who are bright but from poor families among them the disabled. We are also giving 13 water tanks of 10.000 litres capacity to 13 special schools in the County from National Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF),” said Adagala.
During the ceremony held at Elukongo Resource Centre in Emuhaya sub-county, Adagala issued the cheques to parents and school principals asking them to ensure students remain in school without being sent home.
She said she’ll continue supporting bright students from poor families especially the disabled to ensure they complete their studies.
Last month Kshs 1.3 million from the NGAAF was disbursed to 130 needy students bringing the total number of students to 383 who have benefited.
The Vihiga County MP asked to be given the total number of disabled students from poor families so that she can cater for their needs.
The disabled students and parents thanked their MP for her generous move saying the funds will help boost their education pursuit. They decried that disabled people have been neglected for a long time and most of them are perceived as a big burden to some leaders.
Adagala who is championing for the education of youth urged students who failed to score targeted grades to endeavor to join public Universities and pupils who missed to join form one to join them to technical institutes to acquire skills and there fees payment will be supported through bursaries.
Adagala said it is better for students who are idling in the villages to join polytechnics to enable them to train and acquire different skills. She noted that Vihiga County has adequate youth polytechnics and vocational training centres in which such students should be enrolled.
The Vihiga woman representative asked school heads and principals to beef-up security in their institutions to avoid cases of strangers assaulting students.
She condemned the incidence that happened at Moi Girls High school Nairobi where a student was raped and urged the police to follow-up the matter and ensures the culprit is brought to book.