It was an emotional afternoon at St Xavier High School in Bungoma County when John Ray Wafula was finally admitted to Form One after a month of sympathy and uncertainty.
The 15 year old was on the verge of giving up on furthering his studies after it was obvious that neither of the scholarship programmes he had applied for had been fruitful.
Having scored 327 marks in the 2021 KCPE results at Kanduyi DEB Primary School in Kanduyi Constituency, Bungoma town, the young and visionary Wafula struggled with the news that he had been left out of the Governor’s Scholarship Programme which helps needy but bright students across Bungoma County acquire full secondary school education.
His efforts to secure another scholarship programme by a local church also failed, leaving him with no more hope of joining high school.
However, God answered his prayers when a well wisher who had heard his ordeal, came to his rescue and secured a slot and school fees for Wafula at St Xavier High School.
When this writer and the well wisher visited the young man in Kanduyi, there was at least some shreds of hope in the homestead where he stays with his 64 year old grandfather, Mr. Bernard Wekesa.
Wafula, who lost touch with his biological mother when he was fourteen months old, could visibly be seen trying to hold down his tears after learning that he had landed a glorious opportunity to join secondary school.
Wafula’s father, who is said to be looking for a job in Nairobi, is reportedly unable to raise school fees for his son, leaving the grandfather to take care of the son.
However, when Dr. Everlyne Wamalwa heard of the family’s predicaments, she offered to pay the full school fees and other expenses to enable the young one become an Engineer.
“When I heard of this promising young man’s story, I felt for him and did the little I could to see the boy in class,” said Dr. Wamalwa.
“Even though my interest and passion is in the girl child empowerment, there was no loss supporting this innocent one achieve his dream.”
Wafula is now comfortable in class not worrying about school fees or personal effects.
The family has thanked Dr. Wamalwa for the humble gesture, saying she has really relieved them of the burden that had overwhelmed their shoulders.
St Xavier High School is a Boy’s Day and Boarding institution located in Namamuka Sub-Location, Musikoma Ward in Kanduyi Constituency along Bungoma-Mumias road.
The school is currently admitting form ones and form “twos”. The school is sponsored by the Xaverian brothers.