All secondary education in Kenya is through the private system, and fees must be paid. Although modest by our standards, the charges are again beyond the means of most parents. Consequently there are many very bright children who achieve high gradings in their KCPE exams, and are offered places at good secondary schools, but because their parents are poor, they cannot continue their education. Some children desperately try to find a sponsor, or hold a Harambee (family cooperation) to raise the first years fees, but few get any further.
Every year AAF receives many applications for assistance with secondary school fees, and these we investigate to find out the pupils ability, and the family circumstances. Within the funds we have available, we select from these a few to whom we offer assistance for one year, and subject to their results, we extend support one year at a time. At present we are sponsoring 14 youngsters all from very poor families, and three are orphans. All have shown by their past work that they are capable of achieving high grades, and AAF support is providing the motivation to succeed.
|
