Students Risk Drowning in Pursuit of Education

Story adapted from original by Victoriah Sindani - West FM Media

An associate of CES Kenya now living in Canada tells a story of danger. As a young girl in Form 1, Veronica had to cross the Yala River near the Kakamega Forest to attend school. Holding her books and shoes high above her head she knew the stones to step on, the ones that prevented her from sinking into the deep waters. It was cold and in the rainy season the water level was two feet higher and flowing much faster. There were days she could not cross and the walk became 8 kilometres and not the usual two. On those days she was late and missed her first class — Mathematics. At least her school uniform had dried by the time she got there.

Recently, and not far from Veronica’s school, the county government has been urged to build a bridge across the Kuywa River. Students at Friends Sango Secondary School come from Webuye and Kakamega County. They cross the river daily while going to school to get education, then back home after school hours. Unable to do so on their own they are forced to pay local fishermen to assist them. The alternative is to use an alternative route which is approximately 12 kilometers. They arrive at school exhausted.

“I cross this river daily coming to school; since the bridge that we were using was swept by heavy water we are going through difficult time as students. Sometimes you can be crossing then fall in water that means books, and the school uniform get wet. You end up reaching class minus previous day’s homework to present to the teacher and you are scolded for being late.”

“Many days I have no money to pay the small fee of 50 shillings for someone to help me cross. Those days I am forced to stay home.”

One parent indicated that students find it tough walking in water as early as 5 am daily. The girls especially are vulnerable. Students struggle crossing the river, especially during rainy seasons.

“Children are carried away by water though saved by divers, they go to school without books and shoes because all will have been swept by the water. We hear their cries as they watch their books and shoes carried away by water.”

Students crossing river Kuywa heading to school

CES Kenya knows the circumstances for each secondary school student. For some a bicycle has been provided so that the journey to school can be quicker and safer. Others are offered an opportunity to attend a boarding school so that travel time and distance is reduced. Once there, CES ensures a hot meal and two tea breaks each day for day school learners.

Life in Kenya is not easy for any of young person. To attend school sometimes means early morning starts to stand at the flagpole for 7am morning exercises. In the rainy season walking home can be treacherous due to the heavy downpours and slick mud-clay road conditions. The cost of education and the risk to safety and personal welfare are high in rural western Kenya.

Thanks to Victoriah Sindani - West FM Media for storyline from Friends Sango SS.