Ailing 46-year-old man tops in ECDE exam

The Foundations College chairperson Ms Mwendia Njue presents 2014 ECDE diploma to Emilio Muriithi. (Photo:Joseph Muchiri)

An ailing 46-year-old father of two has beaten all odds to emerge among the top in 2014 Early Childhood Education Development (ECDE) diploma examination results.

Emilio Muriithi, who studied for the course through a holiday programme at The Foundations College, emerged second best in the country with a distinction of 16 points.

The college also produced the best student countrywide — Nthele Muasya, 30, who hit an impressive distinction of 12 points.

A celebratory mood engulfed the college, which also had 19 credits of 3 points, one credit of 4 points and 12 credits of 5 points, with its chair Mwendia Njue describing the two top students as focused and disciplined role models.

Mr Muriithi, who is employed by Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Gatatha Primary School, said he had worked hard both day and night, which enabled him to perform well.

Speaking from Tenri Hospital, where he is admitted due to a sick leg, Muriithi said his age did not deter him from going back to school since he believes education has no limits.

All set

“I realised that if I set my objectives and dedicated myself to realising them, then I would succeed. I had only done my P1 at Asumbi Teachers College, and did not want to remain just a P1 teacher,” he said.

The primary school teacher said he is sure he would have posted even better grades were it not that he became ill during the exam period.

He plans to advance his education up to undergraduate then masters and if possible PhD levels and is appealing for financial help saying his illness has already drained his finances.

“I love children and want to pursue early childhood education to doctorate level so I can become a professor,” he said.

Muasya on the other hand credits his success to hard work, determination and reliable lecturers.

Speaking to The Standard, Muasya said he sat his KCSE in 2002 and got a C+ but his parents were unable to take him to college and he remained at home until 2010.

He then got a temporary job with Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission working as a voter registration clerk and from his savings, he enrolled for a P1 certificate course at Kigari Teacher’s College from 2010 to 2012 where he emerged top and was sponsored by The Foundations College for diploma in ECDE.

Just like Muriithi, Muasya plans to further his studies and the two are hopeful TSC will now promote them.