On Friday, one of the orphaned children at the Thika Rescue Centre received a bachelor’s degree in commerce with an accounting option from Mount Kenya University (MKU).
Daudi Hani, a native of Garissa County who was rescued after the death of his single mother when he was 10 and managed to climb the educational ladder despite all odds.
Education Against All Odds:
His journey began at Garissa Rescue Centre before he was transferred to Thika and enrolled in Class 5 at Junior Academy School. He scored 400 points on the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCSE) and then attended Kiambu Secondary School, where he received a grade of ‘C’.
He says he repeated Form Four at Bishop Ndingi Secondary School in Naivasha, where he earned a B-minus, because he was unable to gain university admission with that grade.
He was then admitted to Mount Kenya University, where, despite the educational difficulties and lack of psychosocial support, he was able to earn a Lower division grade of second class.
“The trip has been incredible. Having no parents and little psychosocial support made it extremely difficult. However, a number of well-wishers and several organizations supported my cause,” Hani said.
Shem Nyakutu, the Secretary of the Department of Children Services, joined the children in their celebrations and announced that the Ministry will employ Hani this month as a reward for his diligent work despite the challenging learning environment.
“I believe that with financial and psychosocial support, no one is limited. These rescue centers have a number of bright students who will realize their ambitions if they receive adequate support, said Hani.
Nyakutu described the accomplishment as a milestone and a source of inspiration for disadvantaged children who strive to realize their aspirations.
He stated that the government will continue to support rescue centres by providing a decent environment and support systems, and that they hope to hire more teachers and psychosocial support staff to assist children in overcoming life’s traumas.
While acknowledging that they have a significant staffing gap, he stated that a great deal was being done to resolve it.
He added that Sh100 million has been set aside to secure land in all thirty government rescue centres from land grabbers.
“Our property is gravely threatened by squatters. The fencing of the centres begins this year. Nyakutu added, “We will also equip the facilities to improve the environment.”
While praising the accomplishment, Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a stated that the boy has set a positive example and demonstrated that disadvantaged children can also succeed.
Ng’ang’a, who is the chair of Social Protection Services in Parliament, stated that her committee prioritizes improving the lives of society’s less fortunate, stating that every child has the same right to education and other essential services.
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