• The kids received mattresses, blankets, mosquito nets, sleeping wear and slippers
• Donation by two groups aims to help the children go back to school with dignity
About 1,000 schoolchildren in Isiolo yesterday received aid to help them stay in school.
The children were left vulnerable by a double tragedy of prolonged drought followed by flooding.
They received various donations at the Isiolo Catholic Mission Grounds from MySpace Foundation and Sleeping Children Around the World Organisation.
These included mattresses, blankets, mosquito nets, sleeping wear, school supplies and slippers.
Speaking during the event, My Space CEO Mwenda Thuranira said the seven to 11-year-old children were identified by their teachers from different schools in the county.
"Families are grappling with poverty. We need concerted efforts to educate and instil morals in the next generation," Thuranira said.
He appealed to well-wishers, and the national and county governments to chip in and provide basic needs to needy learners as well as their parents.
“I am calling upon well-wishers to join hands and help needy children for a better future,” Thuranira, who unsuccessfully vied for the Isiolo North Parliamentary seat in 2022, said.
County director of education Caroline Mugo said the aid had come right on time, when some of the learners were dropping out of school due to extreme poverty and lack of basic needs.
“The donations are a drop in the ocean as a high number of families still cannot afford three meals a day, let alone a good place to sleep,” she said.
“It is high time more donors come on board and help due to unique challenges mostly affecting education standards.
“To our children, this is a relief. Concentrate on your studies because you will now have a better sleeping condition.”
Caroline Wanjiru, one of the parents who accompanied their children to receive the donations, was overwhelmed by joy and gratitude.
“I am really happy and certain that this will improve their performance in school. Drought and flooding had drained our pockets,” she said.
Gilbert Mato, from Rotary Club Isiolo, said ongoing floods and severe drought that preceded it in the county prompted the intervention.