As secondary schools across the country break for mid-term this week, an orphaned girl from Juja constituency, Kiambu county is yet to join Form 1 due to lack of fees.
Sharon Waithera, who was orphaned following her mother's demise while she was just two months old, is yet to set foot in class as her peers continue with their studies. Her aunt whom she lives with, is unable to facilitate her secondary school education.
The girl does not know her father as he separated from her mother before she was born.
She scored 252 marks in last year's KCPE exam at Kimunyu Primary School and got an admission letter to join Kibiru Girls Secondary School in Gatundu South.
The girl who spoke to journalists at her aunt's rental house in Murram village, regretted that her dreams of becoming a lawyer are fading as she is unable to further her studies. She stays indoors and only does house chores.
Waithera said she wishes her mother was alive to facilitate her education and help her achieve her dreams.
All that gives her hope that she might join secondary school is a school uniform that her aunt managed to buy for her. She spends time admiring the garment and hoping that she'll soon step in class donned in it.
She pleaded with well-wishers to come to her rescue and assist her join Form 1, promising to work hard academically and post good results. She added that her goal is to excel and help out her siblings.
“I am pleading with kind-hearted people to help me continue with my education with a promise that I won’t fail them. I will study hard,” she said.
Her aunt Linet Wanjiku said her niece is depressed due to her prolonged stay at home while her peers are in school, adding that she spends most of the time alone crying.
“I usually talk to and counsel her. I give her hope that she will get help and be able to join school like her peers,” she said.
Wanjiku said she cannot raise enough money through her small mtumba business to pay for Waithera's education as she has another child in college whom she's struggling to educate.
While pleading for help from well-wishers to help Waithera join school, the aunt said the girl is yearning for education and will focus on her studies and excel academically and in life.
“We have knocked many doors seeking help but have been unsuccessful.”
Beth Muthoni, a neighbour, said the girl is in dire need of help noting that she risks becoming a victim of early marriage if not rescued from the village.
“She’s a young girl who has a thirst for an education but shackles of poverty are still holding her back. It’s our plea that people of goodwill come to her rescue and free her from these shackles,” Muthoni said.
She urged people of goodwill to help shape the girl's future by facilitating her education.
To assist the girl, you can reach out to this writer John Kamau via 0723055198.
