Relief for Ijara residents as MP launches full secondary scholarship

The programme, which is the first of a kind in the area, will see fees for all students in secondary schools fully paid.

The Constituency Development Fund kitty will also cater to full uniforms, mattresses, boxes, mosquito nets, books, soap, geometrical sets, sanitary pads and other essential items.

The MP said the programme will significantly reduce the burden on parents and provide the necessary resources for the seven secondary schools in the area.

Abdi was speaking at Yussuf Haji Secondary School in  Masalani town on Tuesday when he launched the disbursement of Sh50 million bursary for the financial year 2022-23.

“During my campaigns I promised to uplift the education standards in our area that were at an all time low. I also promised to offer full scholarship to not only students in secondary schools, but to all those who enrol in teaching courses and other professional courses. I want to thank the Almighty Allah that we are gathered here to actualise that,” he said.

The lawmaker said he was determined to make sure that during his tenure education is accessible and affordable and that no child shall drop out of school on account of lack of school fees.

“We have made a deliberate effort to invest in the education sector. It is clear that if we don’t invest in this important sector it will collapse," Abdi said. 

"We have to help parents who, in all honesty, are struggling to raise the school fees because of the tough times occasioned by the biting drought and famine.” 

The MP called on the students to maintain good grades in school while at the same time challenged parents to closely monitor their children’s performance in schools.

“Even as we commit government funds to schools, we expect you students to maintain good grades throughout your studies. Collectively, we can move our constituency forward, and which other better way than investing in education,” he said.

Abdi further urged all chiefs and their assistants to push the enrolment drive of school-age children in their respective areas of administration.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training county director Mohamed Noor said many children are not going to school because their parents cannot afford to pay for their school fees. He said this was having a negative a negative impact on the education sector.

"Parents of Ijara have no excuse to deny their children secondary education, now the MP has assured he will pay school fees for all students,” Noor said. 

Hassan Abdi, a parent to three  students in different schools in the area, praised the initiative — saying it will not only go along in improving performance in schools, but boost enrolment as well.

“We want to thank the MP for this initiative. A heavy burden had been lifted from our shoulders. We believe this one will go a long way in uplifting education standards in our area," he said.