Top Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) performers from East Seme Ward, Kisumu County received a boost as a local politician gifted them with goodies as they plan to join different secondary schools.
East Seme Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Seth Okumu recognized some 190 outstanding 2021 KCPE candidates drawn from 28 public primary schools in the area.
The legislator feted pupils who scored over 300 marks by awarding each a pair of shoes.
Okumu said the initiative is aimed at improving the performance of the children at school.
“We want to ensure that our candidates are inspired to performing well amidst the fact that this is a rural area,” Okumu assured.
The initiative has been implemented for the past eight years to motivate candidates to perform better in high schools and inspire those sitting for their exams to also get good grades to qualify for the awards. The appreciation of these pupils who get exemplary results is a drive for them to keep excelling and know that hard work actually pays.
“I began this initiative eight years ago and still continuing because when pupils join the school, parents find it tough, and it’s good to chip in with some bit of support,” the MCA explained.
Okumu further urged teachers in the ward and other schools in rural areas of Kisumu County to continue working tirelessly and wholeheartedly to ensure public schools post good results.
“We had 96 girls and 94 boys. Girls did quite better than boys, but we appreciate all of them for working hard. We hope in the next results, we’ll have an equalizer or the boy-child will wake up,” he added.
Samuel Odemba, from Awanya Primary School, appreciated the MCA’s gesture promising to deliver better results in high school.
“I can’t say enough to show my appreciation for my MCA, Seth Okumu. I’ll pay back by working smart to attain good results,” Odemba said.
Grace Mang’are, a parent, noted that the noble initiative comes in handy for parents who are now burdened in raising school fees and purchasing attendant items.
“This is a good gesture and it means some of our leaders think of us as demonstrated by such initiatives. We feel valued so much,” Mang’are emphasized.
Mang’are said the support given is not enough but at least it is able to cater for something in the academics of the young girls and boys. She said the initiative would push the pupils to work hard and secure a promising future.
“He can’t do it all for us, but at least the support he gives, means a lot to both parents and our children who are beneficiaries,” she added.