By Collins Matubwi
Kakamega
Four needy but bright students have a reason to smile after a Community Based Organisation (CBO) held a fundraiser on Thursday to aid them in paying their tuition fee.
The fundraiser was organised by Tuinuane Kenya- Western Region Chapter at Punjabu village in Lurambi constituency.
The four are Zainabu Ali, Evelyne Minayo, Evelyne Luhavi and Maggy Mwenge of St Patrick Ikonyero secondary, Shikoti Girls and Maraba secondary schools.
The CBO raised Sh65, 070 which was distributed among the four students.
In an interview with the County Splash today, the students applauded the CBO for helping them realize their academic dreams.
They narrated the struggles they have experienced in raising not just their school fees but also meeting their basic needs and called upon the CBO to reach out to other vulnerable students experiencing similar challenges.
The CBOs Coordinator Mr. Benedict Khashiya says the CBO since inception has supported over 2,800 students both in secondary and tertiary institutions to pay their school fees.
According to Mr Khashiya, education is a key pillar upon which the CBO is founded, adding that there’s need for the society to pull resources together to support the vulnerable students access quality education.
Mr Mavendi says Tuinuane Western Kenya CBO has had a diverse approach to societal growth which includes amongst others construction of houses, payment of school fees, contribution of hospital bills, and benevolent support to the vulnerable.
Today alone the CBO has raised a total of over 172,000 in support of the vulnerable cases.
According to Mr Joseph Isaji: one of the cluster coordinators, one must be a member of the CBO to enjoy the benefits associated with their contributions.
The CBO has navigated through the rough waters of political interference, and despite the fact that it has no sponsor, it has emerged as the strongest ever in western Kenya. This is according to Mrs Faridah Issah, the founding chair lady of the CBO.
“We are touching lives, and as a widow I’m glad to report that we’ve invested heavily in supporting the disadvantaged women in society especially households led by women under unfortunate conditions”, said Mrs Faridah Issah.
Tuinuane Kenya Western CBO which originates from Muranda ward of Shinyalu constituency and has until now registered over 500,000 members across all the 12 constituencies in Kakamega county with the sole aim of eradicating poverty in the county.
Mr Mavendi however called upon members to seize from any form of friction and divisive engagements that may compromise the goal of the CBO.
“We are a strong movement and not everyone is happy with our unity. Our unity is a threat to many especially the controversial political system in this nation. We have a communal obligation to remain tolerant, committed and focused to the goal”, said Mr Mavendi.
Ends
