Education continues to be one of the most under-funded sectors in Samburu, and unquestionably one of the most sought after services. For many parents in this region, providing quality education for their children is such an uphill task, that the children are left with no other option but to contend with students in modernized schools from other regions, amid poverty, financial constraints, poor learning facilities in schools, and above all, being trapped in deep-rooted traditions, which incessantly threaten to make morans out of boys, and successive wives out of girls, where they all end up with an ineffectually bleak future.
Before sitting for their final primary school examinations in November last year, we conducted a rigorous student interview to identify bright students who desperately require support in order to continue with their education. Out of the 36 students we interviewed, 7 managed to prove their merit by achieving excellent academic results, consequently emerging as this year’s education program beneficiaries. These are; David Imailan, Lembara Pilot, Duncan Lemaramba, Lmantini Lemantile, Leakuro Leakey, Veronica Lengaitam and Mellissa. These students hail from a number of villages situated around Samburu National Reserve, and they have already been enrolled into various high schools in Laikipia, Samburu, Embu and Meru regions, where they will be spending the next four years filling their minds with knowledge. We are extremely thankful to the Handsel Foundation for the immense support they gave towards our scholarship program.
For our four students (Mary Imana, Stephen Parakwo, Peninah Lekaura and Jackline Lobar) who sat for their final high-school examinations in November last year, this new year marked their first year as high-school alumnus. With the results that have just been released by the Ministry of Education, the students have obtained impressive grades that will enable them to join institutions of higher learning before the end of the year, where they will pursue their courses of interest. In the mean time they will join our internship program where they will be able to gain additional skills and knowledge on conservation issues as well as assist as teaching assistants in primary schools around the park.