Mikuva Friends Primary and Junior Secondary schools receive donation from Mikuva Friends church

As a way of supporting and uplifting academic standards in Quaker sponsored schools, Mikuva Friends church in Mihuu ward, Webuye East constituency has begun a program of helping the needy but bright pupils by donating school uniforms, saying this will make affected learners both in primary and Junior secondary have determination hence uplift education standards.

 Addressing parents, pupils and teachers of Mikuva primary and Junior Secondary schools Mr. Jobic Maika Lichuma who was among the key sponsors of the program said they have decided to do so in order to put a smile on their face and initiate a trait in them of giving back to the community once one succeeds.

 ”We have done this not because we have a lot to give but we have done to support education after realizing that most pupils in this school either miss school or lack confidence due to not having school uniforms and this will go a long way in helping education standards in this school and give a smile in the faces of the needy learners and make them compete fairly with others,” said Mr. Masika.

 He said they will continue with the program and make sure that academic standards in the school are heading on a positive trajectory.

His sentiments were echoed by the Presiding Clerk of Mikuva Friends church Mr. Nelson Mutali who said they are also planning to have keynote speakers to motivate learners and added that they will in the near future be rewarding learners and teachers who perform well in exams and top subjects.

School head teacher Mr. Leonard Makhanu hailed the church for its good will and asked beneficiaries to work hard and attract more support adding that the process of selecting the beneficiaries was done in a free and fair manner and told those who did not receive to exercise patience as they source for other avenues of supporting them.

 Mr. Makhanu has appealed to other church sponsors to emulate what the Quaker church has demonstrated and support their schools in whatever little way they can.

JSS teacher Miss Sylvia Simiyu whose learners were biggest beneficiaries lauded the move and termed it as a turning point in the life of the needy pupils but appealed for more as the school has many needy pupils as most parents are peasant farmers and are not be able to afford much in terms of supporting the basic needs of their children.

 ”As a parent and a teacher I know the nature of my parents and therefore this uniform has just come at the right time as many of them had issues and their parents are just peasant farmers,” said Miss Simiyu.

The pupils appreciated the support and promised to work hard.

On her part, area acting Chief Annet Makale praised the move by the church and challenged the parents to support education by making sure that they take good care of their children while at home during half term period