Mothers excel in KCSE thanks to "second chance programme"

Clara Cheptoo, 21, a mother of one who scored B in KCSE at Kipsitet Day Secondary School. [ Nikko Tanui, Standard]

Mothers defied odds to emerge among the top achievers in the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.

The mothers left their marriages to resume studies, thanks to the 'Second Chance" programme sponsored by Kericho Woman Representative Beatrice Kemei.

Clara Cheptoo, 21, a mother of a four-year-old boy, who dropped out of Kipsitet Day Secondary School in 2020 due to early marriage, was among the 21 beneficiaries of the programme.

Cheptoo, scored B plain KCSE, after posting A- in Business Studies, B in Mathematics, B+ in Geography, and B in Chemistry.

"I thank God for my performance and the support I received from my teachers and the office of the Woman Representative. I would like to pursue an aviation course at the university," she said.

Cheptoo's teacher, Catherine Chesire, described her as an academically driven and disciplined student.

"She returned to school focused on providing a bright future for her child. Despite being a teenage mother, she balanced her studies and parental duties with admirable determination," she said.

Another success story is Ivy Chepkemoi, a mother of two, who scored C+ in KCSE at Ketitui Secondary School.

Chepkemoi dropped out in 2017 and returned to school in 2023, determined to rewrite her story.

Kericho Woman Representative lauded the remarkable achievements of the 21 beneficiaries of the Usawa Kwa Wote Scholarship Programme, which supported disadvantaged students across various schools in Kericho.

Another top achiever, Faith Chepngeno of AIC Litein Girls, achieved A plain.

"Three teen mothers also performed exceptionally well. This is a testament to the effectiveness of our academic mentorship programmes, frequent follow-ups, and motivational talks," said Kemei.

Meanwhile, Kipsigis Girls High School posted an impressive mean score of 9.1, with six students achieving grade A and 42 scoring A-.

The school's Chief Principal, Margaret Kirui, praised the resilience of students like Melvin Timtim Chebor, who overcame a serious medical condition requiring treatment in India, to score A with 84 points.

"The result reflects the resilience and her determination. The hard work has paid off, and a bright future awaits her," she said.