- Two Grade 10 sisters have lost hope of continuing their education after their mother abandoned them and their younger siblings
- The young girls have been forced to take on parental responsibilities, ensuring their siblings are fed, clothed, and able to attend school
- With their mother refusing to return, the sisters have appealed to well-wishers for support, hoping to regain the chance to return to school and rebuild their future
Two sisters in Rongo, Migori county, have lost hope of joining Grade 10 due to the desperate situation they face at home.
Source: Getty Images
The two young girls have been forced to take on parental responsibilities after their mother abandoned them and left them to care for their two younger siblings.
To survive, they have resorted to working as mama fua, washing clothes for villagers in various homesteads for a small fee to make ends meet.
“We have to wash people’s clothes to earn money to buy food. My sister and I sometimes go to bed hungry, as long as our two brothers have something to eat so they can get the energy to go to school,” said the eldest girl.
She explained that their teachers have shown compassion and sometimes allow the younger children to remain in school even when fees have not been paid. However, there are still times when they are forced to stay at home.
The young girl shared that she has been doing menial jobs alongside her studies to ensure the family does not go hungry.
“In Grade Nine, during the third term, I only attended school for two weeks. That’s why I failed my exams. My sister also attended only occasionally because the teachers required fees, which we have to find ourselves,” she said.
The second-born sister also described the hardships of doing manual labour, explaining that while they sometimes secure work, there are days when they return home empty-handed.
She recalled the many times she has been overworked and paid very little, noting that some employers take advantage of her because she is a child.
“There is nothing we can do but accept whatever pay we are given. We desperately need the money. Even buying basic items like sanitary towels is a challenge, so most times we use pieces of cloth,” she shared quietly.
The girls pleaded for help, hoping that a well-wisher might come to their aid so they can return to school and rebuild their dreams.
They said their mother has refused to return home to care for them and often ignores their calls.
“She said she will not come home, despite our pleas, and that we should take care of ourselves. When we call her, sometimes she refuses to speak to us or gives the phone to someone else,” the eldest said.
The vulnerable children are now on the verge of homelessness after their landlord issued a notice to vacate due to two months of unpaid rent.
“As the firstborn, I feel overwhelmed because I have to take care of everything at home. I just wish Mum would come back and look after us,” she said softly.
How did needy Kisii girl join Grade 10?
In other news, TUKO.co.ke reported that a young girl, identified as Fridah Luwoi, was on the verge of dropping out of school due to unpaid fees.
A group of mama mbogas from Marikiti Market in Kisii raised over KSh 80,000 to help the 15-year-old orphan continue her education.
Fridah’s father had worked with the mama mbogas but passed away, leaving her at the mercy of relatives who had no intention of supporting her schooling.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
