A Caring Leader Helps Students in Need.
HOMA BAY, Kenya - Governor Gladys Wanga cried as she listened to a poor, disabled mother. The woman's name is Julita Adhiambo. Ms. Adhiambo used to beg for money in markets. She needed to pay for her children's school.
Ms. Adhiambo is a widow with a hard life. But her son, David Ochieng, will now get help. He is part of a new scholarship program called Fins to Swim.
Governor Wanga started Fins to Swim last year. She wants to help smart students from low-income families. Over 480 students were chosen. They met the rules to get the money.
A student must get good grades and really need help to be picked. Local groups find the students who qualify.
Ms. Adhiambo had lost hope. She told her son to find work. She could not afford to send him to high school. But then Fins to Swim chose David. He will go to a good school.
At a big event, Ms. Adhiambo told David to work hard. She does not want him to let her down. She wants all the students to do well. She hopes they will help change their communities.
Governor Wanga was very touched. She knows what it is like to be poor. When she was young, someone else paid for her school. That is why she started Fins to Swim.
"I understand how these parents feel," Governor Wanga said. "We want to help children have better lives."
The county gave out more money. They are helping 32,000 students pay for school. The total is over 200 million shillings.
Governor Wanga had a message for the students. She told them to focus on school. She wants them to be kind and thankful. She believes they can do great things.
"You will not be sent away for lack of money," she said. "Just work hard. Be good to your parents. You can succeed."
The Fins to Swim program is giving hope. Children like David now have a chance. They can chase their dreams. A caring leader is making a big difference.
HOMA BAY, Kenya - Governor Gladys Wanga cried as she listened to a poor, disabled mother. The woman's name is Julita Adhiambo. Ms. Adhiambo used to beg for money in markets. She needed to pay for her children's school.
Ms. Adhiambo is a widow with a hard life. But her son, David Ochieng, will now get help. He is part of a new scholarship program called Fins to Swim.
Governor Wanga started Fins to Swim last year. She wants to help smart students from low-income families. Over 480 students were chosen. They met the rules to get the money.
A student must get good grades and really need help to be picked. Local groups find the students who qualify.
Ms. Adhiambo had lost hope. She told her son to find work. She could not afford to send him to high school. But then Fins to Swim chose David. He will go to a good school.
At a big event, Ms. Adhiambo told David to work hard. She does not want him to let her down. She wants all the students to do well. She hopes they will help change their communities.
Governor Wanga was very touched. She knows what it is like to be poor. When she was young, someone else paid for her school. That is why she started Fins to Swim.
"I understand how these parents feel," Governor Wanga said. "We want to help children have better lives."
The county gave out more money. They are helping 32,000 students pay for school. The total is over 200 million shillings.
Governor Wanga had a message for the students. She told them to focus on school. She wants them to be kind and thankful. She believes they can do great things.
"You will not be sent away for lack of money," she said. "Just work hard. Be good to your parents. You can succeed."
The Fins to Swim program is giving hope. Children like David now have a chance. They can chase their dreams. A caring leader is making a big difference.
