Mitchelle Cheruto, a Grade 10 student at Kapkole Girls in Nandi, was forced to drop out of school after her family failed to clear KSh 40,000 in school fee arrears. Her single mother, who earns a living through tea plucking in Kambi, has been battling ill health, making it difficult for the family to keep up with the school bills. Cheruto's dreams of becoming a surgeon seemed to be slipping away as she contemplated taking up domestic work to raise enough money to return to class.
Cheruto's situation gained attention after Gwiji Dijital News highlighted her circumstances and appealed to well-wishers to help. The appeal reached Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, who moved swiftly to resolve the situation. Through his Personal Assistant, Donald Giroeng, the governor confirmed that he would settle the full amount owed and also cover the student's shopping needs ahead of her return to school.
Following the governor's intervention, the family, working alongside Gwiji Dijital News, began making arrangements for Cheruto to return to school the following morning. For a girl who had spent her days at home wondering whether her education was finished, the news arrived as a turning point. The gesture has renewed Cheruto's hope of completing her schooling and eventually pursuing a career in medicine.
Cheruto's mother has been struggling to make ends meet, earning a living through tea plucking in Kambi while battling ill health. The family's financial strain left the young student with limited options, and she was forced to consider taking up domestic work to support her ailing mother. However, with the governor's intervention, Cheruto can now focus on her studies without the burden of unpaid school fees.
The governor's intervention is a significant relief to Cheruto and her family, who were struggling to make ends meet. The student's story highlights the challenges many families face in accessing education due to financial constraints. However, the governor's swift action demonstrates the importance of community support and intervention in ensuring that students can access education.
This is not an isolated case, as many students in Kenya face similar challenges. Recently, a Grade 10 student from Kisii County also received relief after well-wishers cleared her KSh 38,000 fee balance. The teenager had been sent home and was struggling with severe financial hardship. Her situation gained national attention after she reportedly asked her grandmother for only KSh 100 for basic shopping and later attempted to take her own life.
In a remarkable display of community support, a well-wisher from the United States offered to sponsor the Kisii student's education through Grade 12. Similarly, Cheruto's story has sparked hope and generosity, with the governor's intervention serving as a reminder that education is a priority that requires collective support. Cheruto can now look forward to completing her schooling and pursuing her dreams.
Key points
- Governor Stephen Sang intervened to clear Mitchelle Cheruto's KSh 40,000 school fee arrears and cover her shopping needs.
- Cheruto's situation highlights the challenges many families face in accessing education due to financial constraints.
- Community support and intervention can play a significant role in ensuring that students can access education.
