From Struggles to Hope: The Story of Moses Wetangula’s Quest for Education
In the heart of Kambi Somali, a small village where dreams often fade under the weight of poverty, a story of perseverance and hope unfolds. Moses Wetangula, a young man who embodies determination, faces an uphill battle to pursue his dream of becoming an actuary, hindered by financial constraints that threaten to extinguish his educational aspirations.
Raised by his single mother, Margaret Avakalwa, Moses grew up amid economic hardship. Margaret’s daily struggle to make ends meet—selling maize and occasionally doing car washing for meager earnings—has been a testament to her unyielding love and sacrifice for her only child. Despite these difficulties, she managed to send Moses to Baricho High School, where his academic brilliance shone through. In 2022, Moses achieved a B+ with 73 points, a remarkable feat considering the adversities he faced.
However, the path to higher education has been obstructed by a significant hurdle: a school fee arrears of KSh 130,000. Due to this debt, Baricho High School has withheld Moses’s results slip, preventing him from enrolling at Jomo Kenyatta University, where he has been granted a slot for a Bachelor of Actuarial Science.
Moses’s story is not just one of academic excellence but also of the harsh realities faced by many students from impoverished backgrounds. The original certificate or results slip required for admission remains out of reach as his mother, who can barely provide daily meals, struggles to gather the necessary funds. Moses has been working as a car wash attendant, earning a modest KSh 100 daily to support his family, but this is not enough to cover the arrears or the cost of obtaining his academic credentials.
The family’s plight has drawn the attention of community members and local leaders. Walter Ayot Keya, a village elder, and Abdi Osman Hussein, a local business owner, have both spoken out in support of Moses, highlighting his humble nature and academic dedication. They urge well-wishers, including local and national leaders such as Governor Jonathan Bii, MP Oscar Sudi, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula—whom Moses is named after—to assist in alleviating this burden.
Margaret Avakalwa, in her heartfelt plea, describes the desperation of their situation. Her words reflect a mother’s anguish and hope, “I am calling upon anyone who will hear my voice to help me. I have gone through a lot, and my only hope is my son. Without assistance, our chance for a better future may be lost.”
Stephen Juma, a neighbor, also appeals to the government to reconsider policies that often leave students like Moses at a disadvantage. He advocates for changes that would allow students to obtain their certificates even when they have unpaid fees, arguing that education should not be a privilege limited by financial capability.
This is more than just a call for financial aid; it is a plea for justice and a chance at a better future for a deserving young man. Moses Wetangula’s potential to transform not only his own life but also his family’s situation hinges on the collective support of compassionate individuals and leaders. As Moses stands on the brink of an opportunity that could change his life forever, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that empathy and community support can have.
For those moved by this story and willing to assist, every contribution will bring Moses one step closer to realizing his dreams and breaking free from the cycle of poverty that has constrained his family for so long.Kindly Contact Vipasho News