Ndhiwa boda boda riders come to the rescue of learners

Some of the students who have benefited from the financial support during a bank slip collection ceremony at Lwanda Kawuor Trading Center in Ndhiwa Sub-county. [James Omoro, Standard]

A group of boda boda riders in Ndhiwa, Homa Bay County, has come up with an initiative to support the education of vulnerable children in secondary school.

Through their group, Nasa Community Based Organisation, the riders from North Kabuoch and South Kabuoch wards, have come together with the initiative to ensure children go to school uninterrupted.   

The riders raise funds to ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001355140/over-1000-ndhiwa-youth-get-sh2m-motorbikes-to-curb-unemployment#google_vignette">ensure children from< underprivileged backgrounds acquire education.

In the initiative, the riders will generate funds through individual contributions and support from friends. 

Already, the riders have this year contributed Sh450,000, funds that were distributed to 160 students from the two wards. 

The group's chairman Philip Akungu said they started the programme when they realised that many children are not going to school due to a lack of school fees. 

Beneficiaries include orphans and others whose parents suffer from diseases which hamper their ability to participate in economic activities. 

Akungu said riders who get involved in serious road accidents have their children enrolled in the programme. 

“There are vulnerable students because they do not have parents or they face severe financial challenges. We enrol them in the programme,” Akungu said. 

He said the group's objective is to empower children and give them hope for a better future.  

 “We intend to increase the ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/article/2001440247/homa-bay-gubernatorial-hopeful-gladys-wanga-courts-boda-boda-riders">number of beneficiaries< in future," he added. 

The group chairman Benedict Otieno said their principal objective was to transform the community. 

“It is a fact that riders struggle to earn a living and contributing to this kitty is a problem to most of us. However, we have decided to undertake this programme to change our society,” Otieno said. 

He called on well-wishers to support their initiative.

Kawuor Sub Location Assistant Chief John Nyadiera hailed the riders saying the initiative will reduce school dropout cases. 

"This programme is helping many children and we welcome it as it promotes development. Its impact to society will be felt in future," Nyadiera said.