A modest Form One student from Kondele in Kisumu county could miss out on secondary education after joining Kabianga High School with only a jacket. Kabianga High Principal Ezekiel Lagat (l) who offered breakfast to Thomas Lagat (r) after reporting to school empty-handed. Thomas Ekai has bravely shared his heartbreaking tale, reporting to Kabianga High School entirely on his own, without the company of his single father or any relative. Why is Thomas Ekai pleading for help? Ekai explained that his father’s financial instability hampers his ability to fund his education, compounded by his mother abandoning the family when he was just a young boy. In an interview with Ramogi TV, the determined young scholar, who scored an impressive 389 marks in KCPE, struggled to secure half of the bus fare to his high school. Despite applying for scholarships and reaching out to financial institutions for assistance, he is yet to receive any help. “The journey to secure funds for my school admission has been a personal struggle. I do not know who my mother is because she abandoned us when I was very young, and my father, without income, cannot support my education. Despite reaching out to organisations like Wings to Fly, Elimu, Family Bank, and KCB for sponsorships, none have been successful,” he recounted. With a heavy heart, the young boy expressed his fear that, without the support of compassionate people, his aspirations for a future in medicine might crumble. “I humbly appeal to anyone with the willingness to help me pursue my education to please come forward. Presently, I find myself in a state of helplessness, and without assistance, my dreams are at risk of being shattered. My fervent prayer is that God sends someone to be my rescuer,” he added. How did Ezekiel Lagat help Ekai? Upon entering the school gate, security guards, sensing his fatigue, inquired about his situation and brought the matter to the attention of the school principal, Ezekiel Lagat. Before their conversation, the empathetic school head offered the weary student breakfast upon recognising the physical and psychological fatigue.Lagat was touched by Ekai’s story and pledged to facilitate his enrollment and learning journey. “Part of the journey was covered on foot. By the time he arrived, he was weary. I had to look for some breakfast for him to give him strength; he was just carrying a jacket. When I saw him, I was filled with a lot of pity and thought this was a case we should adopt as staff. If there is anybody out there who is willing to assist, feel welcome,” he said. Subscribe to watch new videos Kakamega girl treks15km to secure admission On Monday, January 15, another student from Kakamega walked a distance of 15km to secure admission as St Mary’s Mumias Girls, carrying only an envelope with an admission letter and result slip. Diana Nyarotso said that even though her father died long ago and her mother was unable to support her, she was determined to study. “But my father passed away in 2012, and my mother is sick and cannot afford to pay my school fees. That’s why I woke up early and started walking to plead with the principal of St. Mary’s to allow me to join Form One. I am determined to study and become a lawyer to help the less fortunate in society,”
by Nancy Odindo