Education is often seen as the key to a brighter future, yet for many bright and hardworking students, financial constraints stand in the way of their academic progress. Despite excelling in their studies, moving from one stage to the next becomes a daunting challenge due to the inability to afford school fees.
Such is the story of Mitchell Awuor, a determined student from Asembo Kamito in Siaya County. Despite scoring an impressive 402 marks in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and earning a place at Lugulu Girls High School, her educational journey has been far from smooth.
Coming from a humble background, her family has struggled to raise the required school fees, forcing her to depend on well-wishers and fundraising efforts to stay in school. Initially, her hopes were lifted when the Siaya County Government promised to sponsor her education. However, this promise was only partially fulfilled, leaving her future uncertain.
“I was promised full sponsorship by the County Government of Siaya through the County Executive Committee Member for Education. They initially paid Ksh. 6,700 during my admission and later disbursed Ksh. 20,000 on February 14, 2024. But now, in the first term of 2025, nothing more has been paid. Due to the outstanding balance of Ksh. 80,581 and other school levies, I was sent home,” Mitchell painfully explains.
Her family has tried all means to secure the promised funding, but their efforts have hit a dead end.
“My dad has visited the county offices multiple times, but nothing has come out of it. Instead, he was advised to form a WhatsApp group to raise the money. But with his current condition—after an accident left him totally disabled—it has been impossible. My mum is also struggling and does not have a stable job to support my education,” she adds.
With no other options left, Mitchell is now appealing to well-wishers to help her raise the required amount so she can return to school and pursue her dream of becoming a doctor.
“I promise never to disappoint. Your support will help me continue my education and change my life.”
