Needy learners in Eastleigh North to benefit from Sh3 million bursary

Hundreds of Eastleigh North residents assembled on Tuesday at St. Teresa Boys Primary School to collect bursary cheques distributed by the local Member of County Assembly (MCA), Ahmedkadar Dabar. The cheques, totalling Sh3,000,000, were provided to the parents of 465 students who had been awarded the bursaries.

This marks the second time this year that needy students from Eastleigh North have received bursaries from the MCA's office. The office distributes bursaries three times a year, one for each school term. For this term, 135 cheques that contained errors are currently being rectified. Annually, the bursaries support 1,800 needy students from Eastleigh North.

During the event, Ahmedkadar emphasised his commitment to education, describing it as essential for community empowerment. He referenced Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa, who once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

Ahmedkadar noted that educating needy children is a priority for his office, stating that no development will happen in the area without these bursaries.

"Our Priority is education. Children from rich and poor families go through the same syllabus, so educating one needy child is building his future. As Nairobi County Assembly, no development will happen without bursaries," said Ahmedkadar.

Ahmedkadar also mentioned ongoing and future projects aimed at improving the quality of education in Eastleigh North. He highlighted his collaboration with the office of the Member of Parliament to construct classrooms in local schools. Additionally, a borehole is currently under construction at St. Teresa, similar to one recently completed and in use at New Eastleigh Primary School.

Among the beneficiaries of the bursary was Collins Muthee's daughter. Muthee expressed relief, noting that the bursary arrived at a critical time when he was struggling due to the difficult economic situation in the country.

"This will keep my daughter in school. I was really worried, especially after losing my job, but now I'm a bit relaxed thanks to this cheque," he said.

Another beneficiary was 47-year-old Mama Wambo, who collected a bursary cheque for her son, who is in Form Three.

As a single mother of four, she relies on selling vegetables to earn a living. "I am very lucky today because my son has his education sorted by this bursary. At least what I get in my business can be used for other purposes," she said.