This archive report was first published on 26 October 2019.
More than 400 Standard Seven pupils and their parents in Homa Bay County are set to benefit from a mentorship initiative during the school holiday, starting on November 3.
The programme, fully funded by Justice and Mercy (JAM), a non-governmental organisation, aims to enhance 100 per cent transition to secondary schools.
Selected pupils from various schools will spend four days in a camp at JAM centre in Kasipul Sub-county, where they will go through mentorship in three groups - girls, boys, and parents.
According to JAM Director Ken Okoth, the objective of the programme is to reduce school dropout among girls, with a focus on addressing the root causes of teenage pregnancy.
“Incorporating parents in the programme will enable them help the children implement the knowledge we have given them,” Okoth said.
The programme targets two girls and two boys from every primary school in Kasipul and Kabondo Kasipul and parts of Karachuonyo and Rangwe constituencies.
Addressing journalists in Homa Bay town, Okoth said, “The two learners picked from each school will also pass the mentoriship message to their colleagues who will not attend the functions,”
Chairperson Margaret Ojwando added that the programme is aimed at cushioning the pupils from indulging in vices that may deter them from acquiring education.
“Boys will also be incorporated in the mentorship programme to ensure they are not left out because there is a concern that girls get more empowerment than boys,” Ojwando said.
