In Kenya, it’s unfortunate that most of the student’s who perform well in their national exams are not able to afford to further their education either to Secondary school or at the University level. However, for one boy from Garissa County, his success story will be a different one.
Mohamed Abdifatah, a bright and needy student from Ijara in Garissa county, can now pursue his dreams of furthering his education after National Assembly Majority leader Aden Duale came to his rescue and committed himself to pay his entire school fees during the four years in secondary school.
Abdifatah sat for his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams at Hara Primary school and scored 390 marks out of the possible 500. He was later selected to join Nairobi School for his Secondary Education.
However, coming from a poverty-stricken family, Abdifatah, the first born in a family of seven appealed to well-wishers for financial assistance for his school fees next year at the top national school.
His father, Ahmed Abdifatah, a watchman at a hardware store said that he could not afford to pay for his son’s school fees with the insubstantial income he earns.
As fate would have it, Abdifatah’s dream to continue with his education and become an engineer can now be realised as Hon. Duale presented his father with a cheque covering next year’s fees. Duale also promised to take him shopping and buy his uniform.
Abdifatah and his father, who could not hide his joy, thanked Duale for his generosity.
“I really don’t know what to say because I am overwhelmed with joy. I want to thank the Majority leader and may God bless him. The future looks bright for my son and my family,” Ahmed said.
On his part, Abdifatah promised to work hard in his studies and utilise the opportunity granted to him.
“I want to promise that I will work hard in my studies to become an engineer and help my family and society. I cant wait to join the school of my choice,” he said.
Speaking in his office in Nairobi, Duale said that he was pleased to empower the young man realise his potential, help his family and his country.
What do you think can be done to help candidates who excel but are not able to further their education for one reason or another?