Triplets want to join different schools after KCPE exploits

 

Jilca Junior Academy triplets from left, Lavinah Sikolia, scored 365 marks , Luizah Sikolia 280 marks and Lavendah Sikolia scored 389 marks.[Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Triplets who have always lived and schooled together now hope to join different secondary schools following the release of 2020 KCPE results.

Lavina, Luiza and Lavender, whose both parents are teachers, excelled in the exams, scoring 365, 280 and 389 marks respectively.

They were pupils at Jilca Academy in Kakamega North sub-county, the same school that was in the news after twins sitting the 2017 KCPE exams at at the institution also excelled.

The girls say they have lived all their lives together, depending on each other, and would now like to see how they fair in different schools.

They attended St Teresa’s Isanjiro Primary School from Baby Class to Standard Six before they were moved to Jilca Junior Academy where they sat their KCPE exams.

This is unlike in many cases where twins or triplets would fight to be in the same school and even classroom. In the case of the daughters of Sammy and Anne Sikolia, head teachers at local schools, their daughters have also chosen different career paths. Lavender hopes to become a neurosurgeon while Lavina wants to be a veterinary doctor. Luiza hopes to become a nutritionist.

The girls, from Malanga village in Malava sub-county, said they were happy with what they scored despite challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic that saw schools closed for close to nine months.

"We have always been together. We have gone to the same schools and have always helped each other. We do our class assignments and house chores together. Our lives have practically between intertwined. However, we feel it is time for us to become independent of each other by going to different secondary school," said Lavender, who wants to join Sacho High School in Kabarnet, Baringo County.

She said her interest is in becoming a neurosurgeon, especially so she can help the less fortunate in the society.

"Since I was young, I have been watching video clips of doctors operating on patients. In these hard economic times, I have seen how those who cannot afford some of these health services are suffering. My wish is that a time will come when I can help them," said Lavender.

Lavina said: "It has been wonderful schooling together. At times, we have disagreed and even fought. But the most interesting part of our lives has been how teachers and some of our relatives confuse us. Sometimes we dress the same and this makes them even more confused, but to us, it brings a lot of amusement."

Lavina, who wants to join Segero Main Adventist High School, says she is passionate about the welfare of animals and that is why she wants to be a vet.

Luiza said she would like to join Kaplong High School and she is keen on becoming a nutritionist.

She said they would fight together whenever one of them was touched by anyone. "We have always been a formidable force. No one would harass one of us. We were in the same classrooms and even revised for exams together."

She added: "We would like to join different schools and gain different experiences. I know we will be having a lot of experiences to share whenever we come back at home."

Their father, Sikolia, said it has not been easy raising his daughters. "It has not been easy but the grace of God has carried us through. I am happy with their performance and we will support them to achieve their dreams," he said yesterday.

He added: "By the way, my wife and I did not expect triplets. They came as a surprise but they have been a big blessing to us." 

"Babysitting them was the most difficult part, especially when one is alone. Giving attention to each child was not easy, especially for me."

Their mother Anne shared similar sentiments saying she is happy her daughters have now grown.

Then there was this culture that complicated parenting for them. They were made to believe they should not punish any of the triplets whenever they did wrong.

"Some people told us that if I beat up one, they will also fall sick. It took us some time to learn that these are just cultural believes that don't necessarily mean much," she said.

Mrs Sikolia attributes their success to God's grace. She said they are also happy with the idea of girls joining different secondary schools.

Jilca Academy head teacher Daniel Amimo described the sisters as vibrant and outgoing. He said they have been inseparable, doing everything together.

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