Child Welfare Society of Kenya Supports Over 6,000 Students in Day Schools in Keiyo South Constituency
In a significant effort to combat food insecurity and enhance educational outcomes, the Child Welfare Society of Kenya has launched a comprehensive food distribution initiative aimed at supporting over 6,000 students enrolled in day secondary schools across the Keiyo South Constituency.
This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the office of Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo Sonko, focuses on providing essential food supplies to students hailing from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
On the ground, the program has reached a total of 26 schools, delivering vital food items that include maize, beans, rice, green grams, cowpeas, and cooking oil. These provisions are specifically tailored to cater to the nutritional needs of students who often struggle to secure even a single meal per day. Lydia Menza, a representative of the Child Welfare Society, emphasized the importance of this initiative during the distribution event. “The provisions will serve as a lifeline for our students, ensuring not only their retention in schools but also shielding them from the harsh realities of early entry into the workforce due to hunger-induced dropouts,” she stated.
The impact of this initiative is already being felt throughout the constituency. Local leaders and educators have praised the collaborative efforts between the Child Welfare Society and MP Sonko’s office, noting that the program is instrumental in improving student performance and reducing absenteeism. Bernard Kibet, personal assistant to MP Sonko, highlighted the positive changes observed since the program’s inception. “Since we started this initiative, there has been a marked increase in enrollment, and we are seeing reduced or even no absenteeism among students,” he noted. Kibet urged the Child Welfare Society to consider extending similar support to primary schools, which would help ensure a 100 percent transition rate from primary to secondary education.
The principals of the participating schools have reported that the program has significantly contributed to the retention of students and improved academic performance. Robert Chiuri, principal of Kapsowek Secondary School, shared his thoughts on the initiative. “This program has been crucial in retaining our students, as it addresses a fundamental need—food. When students are well-nourished, they can focus better on their studies,” he explained. “We thank the Child Welfare Society of Kenya for this program and promise to work hard and achieve good grades.”
Hellem Kimutai, principal of St. Thomas Kapchorwa Secondary School, echoed these sentiments, stating that since the program began, there has been noticeable improvement in student performance and classroom stability. “The students can now concentrate in class without the distraction of hunger, which has created a more conducive learning environment,” she said.
Students have also expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the initiative. Mercy Arusei, a Form Four student at Lolgarini Mixed Day Secondary School, praised the efforts of the Child Welfare Society. “Since the program started in the first term, we have been able to avoid absenteeism and focus more in class. We appreciate this initiative and promise to deliver good results,” she said. Another student from Kimwogo Day Mixed Secondary School added, “We lack words to express our gratitude. This support means a lot to us, and we thank everyone involved. May God bless you.”
The Child Welfare Society of Kenya’s initiative is a crucial step toward ensuring that education remains accessible for all students in Keiyo South, particularly those facing economic hardships. By addressing the immediate need for food, the program not only promotes academic success but also fosters a sense of stability and hope among the students and their families.
As the distribution continues, the Child Welfare Society remains committed to supporting vulnerable youth in the region, demonstrating that community-driven efforts can have a profound impact on the lives of students and the broader educational landscape. With this initiative, the organization is helping to create a brighter future for the youth of Keiyo South, one meal at a time.
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