Homa Bay Widow’s Financial Struggles Tale Leaves Governor Wanga In Tears
Gladys Wanga, Governor of Homa Bay, was moved to tears as she heard a disabled parent describe how she used to beg in marketplaces for school fees.
Governor Wanga was spotted wiping away emotions as widow and crippled mom Julita Adhiambo described how she used to go from one market to another to raise monies for her children’s school fees.
Adhiambo, whose child is now enrolled in the Fins to Swim Scholarship education project, stated that she had an old and frayed proforma and cup that she used to solicit donations in marketplaces.
The widow, from the Kagan ward in the Rangwe constituency, said she began asking for donations at the Onyinjo market before moving to Homa Bay.
Adhiambo described how her begging grew tedious and inconvenient since some people in the Onyinjo market would drop her Sh10 or Sh20 coin with the expectation that she would return the next day.
Today we launched the third edition of the Genowa Fins to Swim Scholarship Program, a transformative initiative supporting 600 bright but needy students across Homa Bay County. The programme covers full fees, uniforms and personal effects from form 1 through university.
— Gladys Wanga, E.G.H. (@gladyswanga) January 3, 2025
With… pic.twitter.com/nd1PInb67i
“I went to market streets to look for fees for my children. I moved to Homa Bay town after realizing that people in Onyinjo market were used to my begging and were no longer considerate,” Adhiambo said.
When parents and scholars arrived at Governor’s Park in Homa Bay to pick up the program’s cheques, Adhiambo encouraged her child David Ochieng’ to work hard and not let them down.
Ochieng’ is one of over 480 students who were selected for the award after satisfying all of the conditions.
After taking office in 2023, Wanga established the Fins to Swim scholarship program to encourage the education of bright but disadvantaged youngsters in Homa Bay County.
To identify the recipients, a cluster committee was formed in each of the county’s forty wards.
To be eligible for the scholarship, one must have at least 350 marks and be in true need.
Adhiambo stated that the assistance came after she had lost hope and encouraged Ochieng to look for any sustaining work because she was unable to send him to secondary school owing to a lack of funds.
Ochieng was summoned to St Mary’s Yala High School in Gem constituency, Siaya County. They congratulated the county government for launching the campaign.
“I plead with you, my son Ochieng’ not to disappoint me. I also pray for girls and boys who are beneficiaries to work hard and transform the society,” she said.
During her remarks, the governor, who was visibly upset, stated that her administration established the Fins to Swim scholarship program to assist low-income students in obtaining an education.
Wanga stated that she experienced several challenges in school after all of her parents died. She stated that someone funded her education tuition.
“I empathize with Adhiambo and many parents here because I also experienced the difficulties during my school days. We introduced the programme to create an impact on the future lives of the children,” Wanga said.
The governor urged the beneficiaries to concentrate on their studies and keep their commitment to being attentive and conscientious students.
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County Executive members Martin Opere (Education), Mercy Osewe (Governance), and Homa Bay Assembly Majority Leader Richard Ogindo were all present.
She stated that they will maintain high standards, as each student was instructed to strive for a minimum grade of B (plain).
Students were advised to concentrate on their studies and to support future generations.
“You have all the time to study because you’ll not be sent out of school. I want you to be considerate, compassionate, kind and respect your parents to succeed,” the governor said.
Homa Bay Widow’s Financial Struggles Tale Leaves Governor Wanga In Tears
