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Through the Foundation, the CS paid the boy's Form One fees in full.
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On Wednesday, he handed over a banker’s cheque of Sh98,654 to the Principal of Maseno School Peter Owino.
Image: HANDOUT
When he shared his plight online a few weeks ago, 14-year-old David Muga had no clue as to where help would come from.
He had scored 399 marks in last year's KCPE, securing himself admission at Maseno School.
However, his poor parents could not raise money to take him to high school.
Luckily, his plight which was shared on various social media platforms within the Nyanza region caught the attention of a well-wisher.
On Wednesday morning, David, accompanied by his father Joseph Muga Owera and his mother Ruth Muga, was received by the school's principal to begin the four-year journey at his dream school.
This was after the ICT CS Eliud Owalo agreed to sponsor David's high school education through the Eliud Owalo Foundation.
The CS noted that he was touched when he read about the plight of the boy on the Internet.
"His journey to his secondary education faced uncertainty due to financial constraints, with his father, a casual labourer, and his mother, a housewife, struggling to meet the required fees," the CS said.
Image: HANDOUT
He noted that undeterred by the challenge, the boy took to the internet, posting an appeal for support from well-wishers and sponsors to fund his education.
"This appeal captured my attention and I promptly reached out to the boy's family through the area Chief and his assistant," he told journalists at Maseno School.
The CS, who is an old boy of Maseno School, said he decided to assist the young student in pursuing his dreams through the Foundation.
Through the Foundation, the CS paid the boy's Form One fees in full.
On Wednesday, he handed over a banker’s cheque of Sh98,654 to the Principal of Maseno School Peter Owino.
“In our view, education is a catalyst for transformative change, both at the personal and societal levels. Within the Eliud Owalo Foundation, we believe in its unparalleled power to shape a better future," the CS stated.
Owalo noted that education stands as the great equalizer, breaking down barriers and levelling the playing field, regardless of one’s age, circumstances, or socio-economic status.
The amount paid by the minister will cover school fees, development fees, parental support to the child of Sh,2000 per term, uniform, games kits, a mattress and other consumables.
"The Foundation has also committed to covering Muga’s fees up to Form Four," he said.
Image: HANDOUT
In addition, the Foundation provided seed capital of Sh50,000 for Muga’s mother to start a business that will augment the family’s finances.
Owalo suggested that there should be a database documenting all the students who need help and those who have been supported so that there is no duplication.
"We should be able to get this information at the press of a button so that those who have been helped by other organisations and entities can easily be identified," he added.
Owalo was accompanied by Maseno School Old Boys, Emmanuel Ombaka, a former School Captain at Maseno School, Dennis Osano Kute and Barack Kamire.
Also in attendance, was the Regional Director of Education Nelson Sifuna, the County Director of Education Rosemary Birenge, the Chairman of the School’s Board Olango Onudi and the DCC Kisumu West Wanyonyi.
The boy who is the third born in a family of four children aspires to be a neurosurgeon
"Thanks to the intervention of the CS, I now have the opportunity to pursue my secondary education. I'm forever grateful for this kind gesture and I promise to work hard," he said.
His mother was too overwhelmed to speak to the media. The boy's father said he is yet to believe that his son will now be in school.
"I thank the CS Eliud Owalo. This is a miracle to me. It is the work of God. May the CS be blessed so that he continues to do good to other people like me who need help," he said.