Meru Woman Rep helps schoolgirl return to class after family crisis

Created by Gerald Mutethia | | General News

The girl was lacking fees and at the same time her mother was ailing and she had to make a bold decision to look after parent and siblings.

A schoolgirl from Meru, who abandoned her studies to look after her sick mother and younger siblings, has been given a fresh chance to continue her education after Woman Representative Karambu Kailemia stepped in to support the family.

Hope Kathomi had left school after her family could no longer afford school fees, while her mother, Damaris, struggled with illness. 

As the eldest child, Hope took over the responsibility of caring for the household.

After learning about the family's situation, Kailemia pledged to meet the girl's education costs, allowing her to return to school without worrying about fees.

The legislator also facilitated medical treatment for Damaris, who has since recovered and welcomed a baby girl. In addition, the family was moved from their dilapidated house to a safer and more dignified home.

"A few weeks ago, I received a call about Hope's situation. Her story touched my heart and I felt compelled to act. Every child deserves an education, every mother deserves dignity and every family deserves hope," Kailemia said.

She said the intervention reflected the need for leaders to respond to the challenges facing vulnerable families through practical action rather than words alone.

Kailemia urged fellow leaders, institutions and well-wishers to support disadvantaged households, saying timely assistance can keep children in school and restore hope to families facing hardship.

Karambu Kailemia
Meru Woman Representative Karambu Kailemia holding a baby when she visited a family in which the schoolgirl had abandoned her studies to look after her sick mother and younger siblings. Photo/Justice Gauge