3 September 2015

3 September 2015Changing lives in Western Kenya through the power of education

Despite the implementation of Kenya’s free primary school programme in 2003, access to adequate education for all still persists as a major barrier and obstacle to overall development. This is why small initiatives to help those most in need are so important and why Ace Africa’s Education and Training support services programme continues to be one of the most successful and most recognised bursary programmes in Siaya and Bungoma counties. Assisted by our loyal bursary and alumni sponsors, Ace continues to provide life-changing opportunities for children through providing them with a chance to secondary or university education.

Although the programme is now winding down, the need for adequate education still persists in the area. With this in mind, Ace has continued to collaborate with key corporate and private sector partners such as Equity Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank, in order to help the children of the region.

Some of the students and their guardians in a group photo after a meeting

Some of the students and their guardians in a group photo after a meeting

An Area Education Officer sharing with sponsored students and their guardians during the guardians meeting

An Area Education Officer talking to sponsored students and their guardians during the guardians meeting

Across Siaya and Bungoma a total of 70 students currently benefit from the bursary and alumni programmes. Students also recently sat their KCSE’s (Kenya Certificate for Secondary Education) in February this year with excellent results across the board. One of the highest performing students received an excellent point average and is now aspiring to become a doctor and continue with her studies.

A student writes a letter to her sponsor

A student writes a letter to her sponsor

Overall and since 2007, the programme has assisted 155 students in Bungoma with 57 going onto further study at university. In Siaya, out of the 49 alumni, 23 went onto university and 8 to a college in the tertiary sector. In addition, 90% of the alumni who performed well have been invited to teach in their respective schools in order to help other students reach the same potential.

Ace has also continued to partner with Acacia exploration, an NGO that offers support to Mago youth Polytechnic, assisting 10 students to take 2-year trade courses.

Other Alumni updates:

Amongst those who have finished their 4-years of tertiary education, the majority are from Bungoma. The successful students have all either graduated or are currently pursuing a degree. Testament to Ace Africa’s support, one student has even begun teaching in a school in Siaya and another is working out on the field with the Ace team!

Ace has also equipped 8 students with basic computer skills, which has assisted students tremendously with online application forms for government loans. An alumni watsapp has also been created which helps Ace and Alumni to stay in touch and share information.

The Project Manager in Bungoma mentoring alumni during their holiday

The Project Manager in Bungoma mentoring alumni during their holiday

As Ace winds down its bursary programme, the transition from supporters to local government is going well. Evidence of this success, are the numerous students who have been able to further their studies and pursue various opportunities through education. Without the support of the numerous stakeholders involved, none of this would have been possible. We hope that the programme will continue well into the future and that more and more students will get the education they aspire to and deserve.