Girls who dropped out of school get a second chance at education

Kericho Women Representative Mrs Beatrice Kemei address the press flanked by some of the 21 teen and other young mothers who have resumed their high school education after initially dropping out of high school for reasons such as childbirth or marriage. [Nikko Tanui, Standard]

When schools reopened for first term, some 21 teenage mothers in Kericho County had dropped out of school.

The young mothers however have got a second chance to pursue their education.

Kericho Woman Representative Beatrice Kemei on Saturday awarded the young mothers aged between 19 and 26 scholarships on Saturday.

Many shed tears of joy during an emotional ceremony held at the county office.

Kemei expressed her commitment to provide opportunities for young mothers facing societal challenges.

"My aim for the next five years is to extend similar opportunities to at least 200 young women who have dropped out of school," she said.

The woman rep said she would support the girls past high school.

"This initiative provides avenues for young mothers to break free from societal constraints, empowering them to build a brighter future for themselves and their families," said Kemei.

Among the beneficiaries is 19-year-old Ivy Chepkoech, a mother of one, who has rejoined Lesirwa Day Secondary in Kipkelion West constituency in Form Three.

"I am determined to get at least a B+ in my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exam," she said.

Maureen Cheptoo, 26, a mother of two, who was abandoned by her husband after eight years of marriage has resumed her education at Kapsoit Secondary School in Ainamoi constituency.

"I can't thank Kemei enough for giving me a second chance in education. I want to be a medic."