Nambale Member of Parliament Geoffrey Mulanya has urged the Ministry of Education to release money to schools on time.
Speaking at St Mary’s DEB Secondary School while giving bursary cheques to schools in Nambale township ward, Mulanya said the delay has forced teachers to send students home immediately the institutions open.
“I want to urge the Cabinet Secretary for Education Ezekiel Machogu to release the capitation money in time. If you don’t give money early, it becomes difficult for one to plan.”
Mulanya asked the students to work hard and obtain good results, promising to purchase a school bus for the institution.
“I will come here with a school bus, these parents will not come to celebrate the new bus if the results are not good,” he said.
The MP also pledged to come up with a motion in Parliament to ensure the school feeding program is enacted as law.
“I will push for this because this will force the ministry not to divert funds meant for this programme to other projects,” he said, adding that the program helps in retaining learners in school.
He disbursed bursary cheques worth Sh5.4 million to secondary schools.
Sub-county director of education Sarah Ayumba challenged the students to be diligent.
“If you are going to get the bursary and you work hard, then we will be proud but if you get pregnant then it will be shame to us,” she said.
Carolyne Nyanchoka, the Deputy commissioner, advised students to avoid sexual engagements.
“I want girls to protect yourselves. Those people are just lying to you and immediately you get pregnant, they will run away.”
She urged parents to guide and support their children so they do not fall prey to sexual exploitation.
“Parents please let’s give directions to our children so that we avoid this issue of pregnancy among students by encouraging them to work hard in school,” she said.
Other wards that received bursary support include Bukhayo central, Bukhayo East and Bukhayo North/Walatsi.
