The 19-year-old first-year student was found in distress after being unable to pay her tuition and struggling with hunger. Ouma shared her heartbreaking situation in an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke on Thursday, October 3, 2024.
Ouma, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Education in Special Needs Education, hails from a humble background in the Mathare slums of Embakasi East.
Despite her financial challenges, she is determined to pursue her education, as it is her only hope for a better future. However, she finds herself on the brink of dropping out of university because her parents cannot afford her school fees.
Ouma's emotional state became evident when a KU alumnus found her crying on campus after days of going without food. "I had not eaten for two days, and when someone asked me what was going on, I just broke down," she recounted in her interview.
Her father, who is the family's sole breadwinner, suggested that she defer her studies until next year since they could not afford the KSh 97,920 annual tuition fees required by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
Ouma had received a scholarship to attend Butere Girls High School due to her basketball talent, which had covered her high school fees. However, the scholarship did not extend to her university education, and her current situation has become unbearable.
"The deadline for school fees is fast approaching, and my parents are struggling. My father advised me to wait until next year, which hurt even more," Ouma shared, explaining the agony of the situation.
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) placed Ouma in Band 5, which means she faces a fee of KSh 97,920 annually. With no support from the board yet, Ouma is uncertain how she will pay her tuition fees, as the money is far beyond her family's means. She has applied for a review with HELB, hoping for a positive change, but her application has not been processed.
"My father hustles just to make ends meet. KSh 48,000 per semester is too much for him to raise. I’m pleading for anyone who can help with my school fees. We have no means to raise this amount, and I desperately want to study to uplift my family," Ouma appealed, seeking support from well-wishers and donors who could help fund her education.
Despite these challenges, Ouma remains determined to continue her education. Her story is a reflection of the hardships faced by many students from less privileged backgrounds, who aspire to better their lives through education but are held back by financial barriers. Ouma’s desire to become a teacher and help children with special needs is driven by her passion to make a difference in her community.
Her plea for help has sparked a wave of support on social media, with many Kenyans rallying behind her to raise the required funds. Several individuals have expressed their willingness to help, offering to contribute to her school fees or provide mentorship as she continues her studies.
Ouma’s situation is not an isolated case. Across Kenya, many students face financial difficulties that threaten their education. While the government and private organizations offer scholarships and loans, these are often insufficient to cover the full cost of higher education.
The lack of adequate funding for students from low-income families has become a pressing issue, highlighting the need for better financial aid systems that ensure all students have access to education, regardless of their financial background.
The government’s role in addressing these concerns remains crucial. There is a call for more scholarships, grants, and affordable loans to be made available to students in need. Education is a basic human right, and every Kenyan child should have the opportunity to achieve their dreams without being hindered by financial barriers.
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