The principal of Friends School Naitiri Girls High School is seeking assistance to support an orphaned Form One pupil in acquiring essential school admission materials. Orphaned Girl, Sylvia Ayako (l) at their home in Tongaren. Sylvia and Naitiri Girls Principal Isabella Nakitare (r) during admission. Sylvia Ayako, aged 14, who was featured on TUKO.co.ke on Wednesday, January 17, has successfully gained admission to the school she was called to attend. Why did Principal Isabella Nakitare admit Sylvia? Interestingly, Sister Isabella Nakitare, the principal, was among the compassionate Kenyans who came across Ayako’s plea. During an interview on Thursday, January 18, Nakitare shared that she was moved by the story and made the decision to reach out to the family. She then recommended that they proceed with enrolling the student, as she would find a way to make her stay in school. “I saw the request through TUKO’s Facebook page and contacted the guardian. I appreciate that she is here with me, and I would like to have her as one of our students. About school fees, we will see what we can do as a school and with the help of the Milima ward MCA. What I do not know how to go about is shopping. She has no box, no mattress, no jacket, and this place is very cold. If there is somebody who can help, please do so as soon as possible so she can start learning. She is a young girl, and those essentials are necessary,” she said. The kind school head went ahead and gave the needy girl school uniforms to kick-start her high school education journey. Why is Sylvia Ayako appealing for help? Hailing from a very humble background, the determined student has been going through a lot of challenges, including feeding difficulties. In a touching revelation, the aunt expressed that Ayako’s extraordinary achievement of scoring 342 was a divine blessing and a result of her relentless determination to learn and secure a brighter future. Ayako, who faced the heartbreaking loss of her mother in 2017 when she was in Grade Four, has been resiliently moving from one family to another, striving to meet her basic needs and the evolving requirements that accompanied her growth. Despite the hardships, Ayako discovered unwavering support in her grandmother, aunt, and primary school teacher, who served as beacons of hope. Regrettably, their financial constraints prevent them from sponsoring Ayako’s secondary education, underscoring the profound challenges she faces in her pursuit of a better life. “When her mother died, the father married another wife. From there, everything changed. She started moving from one home to another if she failed to get food, clothing, school requirements, and other personal items,” she said. Kabianga Principal offers to help needy student Elsewhere, on Monday, January 15, the principal of Kabianga High School, Ezekiel Lagat, was filled with pity after encountering a needy boy who reported to school with only a jacket. He served him breakfast and promised assistance to see him through school. “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.
by Nancy Odindo