Education

Rise from adversity: KCSE star Godana Qalicha Dima inspires nation

Godana Qalicha Dima, who wrote his KCSE exams at Meru National School. (Photo: Courtesy)

By Paul Aginnah | Friday, January 12, 2024

From a young age, it was evident that Godana possessed academic prowess. At Qicha Primary School, he consistently topped his class, leaving his teachers in awe.

Godana Qalicha Dima's journey to academic excellence and national success has been nothing short of incredible.

Born into a struggling family in the little-known village of Qicha in Sololo, Marsabit County, and with a father battling unemployment and the burden of raising 10 children, Godana's future seemed bleak from the start, but his story would soon take an unexpected turn.

Keep reading

From a young age, it was evident that Godana possessed academic prowess. At Qicha Primary School, he consistently topped his class, leaving his teachers in awe. In 2019, he achieved an impressive score of 378 out of 500 marks in his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams. It was clear he had the potential for greatness.

With his impressive performance, Godana, 17, was admitted to the prestigious Meru National School but his journey towards academic success was halted due to financial constraints. It seemed his dreams would remain unfulfilled but Governor Mohamud Ali intervened through a scholarship.

Recognising Godana's potential, Governor Mohamud took it upon himself to ensure the young man did not give up on his education. With the governor's support, Godana was granted a scholarship that would change the course of his life forever.

KCSE success

With the weight of financial constraints off his shoulders, Godana soared to new heights. He scored an A plain in the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams and was position 21 nationally. His success made him the top student in the region, bringing pride not only to his family but to the entire community.

Godana's ambitions go beyond achieving academic excellence in secondary school. Inspired by his struggles and the support he received, he aspires to become a doctor to serve and give back to his community. With his sights set on a degree in medicine and surgery, his journey has only just begun.

"I'm grateful to Governor Mohamud, my parents Qalicha Dima and Lokho Dima, my teachers and friends. It has been a journey full of hurdles. Without them I would not have made it this far," he said.

According to Dadacha Qalicha, Godana's brother, the family was extremely worried about meeting the cost of educating the clever Godana.

Following his good performance, the Qalicha family expressed their gratitude to the governor, saying they hoped the scholarship would benefit other deserving students in the community.

"We are grateful for Governor Ali's scholarship. It has supported my son through his high school journey. We hope and pray the Governor will continue to support the scholarship and extend this opportunity to other students," Dadacha said.