A family in Mandera has thanked well-wishers for helping their daughter join Alliance High School after they requested for financial support.
Earlier this month, the Star exclusively highlighted her problems, prompting well-wishers, who included local leaders, to step in and offer their help. Speaking to the star on the phone through a
translator, her mother, Subah Maalim, thanked all those who assisted her daughter.
“Words alone cannot express my joy and appreciation to all those who assisted us at the hour of need. I sometimes think I am day dreaming when I remember my daughter is now studying at Alliance Girls’ High School,” Maalim said.
There was little hope for 15-year-old Afifah Sheikh, who studied at Lafey Primary school and scored 354
in last year’s KCPE exam to join Form One since her parents could not raise the required fees. Her good performance was despite the numerous challenges students in Northeastern face such as insecurity, which resulted in many non-local teaches leaving the area in droves.
A number of Mandera politicians, including Deputy Governor Mohamed Arai and Lafey MP Abdi Ibrahim contributed towards her school fees. “I want to sincerely thank everybody, including the media that highlited Afifa’s story because were it not for them, nobody would have known our struggles and problems,”
Maalim said.
Ahmed Sheikh, the father, also thanked the well wishers, saying
her daughter will not disappoint them after four years.
Afifah reported to the school on 11th of January.she was taken by her partenal ancle Aden Sheikh since her parents are in the remote parts of Lafey constitu4ency and could not make to travel to Nairobi.
Afifa’’s brother Abdikarim Sheikh,the first born in a family of 12 scored an A- in last years KCSE exams.he studied at Mandera high school.he was sponsored by KCB Mandera branch.
Lafey Mp Abdi Mude Ibrahim who presented the cheque to the girl told the Star on phone that he will continue paying
fees for not only the girl but also all bright students from his constituency who secured places in National school adding that he cannot allow such brilliant minds to go to waste.
The girl from Damasa village which is near the Kenya Somalia border in Lafey constituency attended Lafey primary school where she used the school's boarding wing to study hard.
The girls who aspires to be a medical doctor early this year told the Star
that she was happy that finally well wishers
came
forward to assist her in pursuing her dreams.
Ends…..