Sponsorships in Kenyan Public Schools- Isaac Mwenja

Many Kenyan public schools are incredibly overcrowded and understaffed. Public schools are not completely free as always. Families have to provide 2 complete school uniforms, workbooks, supplies and pay for school trips and transportation, but majority of families are living in poverty and this is not possible.

In Kenya, the government only pays for a child’s education through 8th grade. Countless bright, eager students in rural areas long for a chance to learn more. They live in abject poverty and can barely afford the basics to sustain life. Without financial help, only 12% of boys and 5% of girls complete secondary school.

How to get a sponsor for education

Some employers and other organizations may sponsor you to take a course or further your education.

Tips on how to get a sponsor

You can find out about current sponsorships opportunities through the media. Also, you can sign up notifications with the organizations offering the scholarships. One of the sites that regularly updates you on available scholarships is the Ministry of Education. For those looking for High School sponsors, begin your search jilust before students get admitted to form one. If you are looking for university sponsorships, you can visit the financial aid office at your institution.

Prepare your application form and other supporting documents like resumes and essays

Your essay is the key to your scholarship application. It is an opportunity to demonstrate to the selection committee that you are well-rounded individual and it gives you an opportunity to talk about your experiences and qualifications in greater detail than what appears on your resume or transcripts.

How to get a high school sponsor for a bright student

You have to perform well in your studies or co-curricular activities for you to be sponsored to join the high school of your dream after KCPE. Below are some of the organizations for bright students

1. Wings to fly program

The program was launched in 2011 by the Equity Foundation in support of the MasterCard Foundation with an aim of granting over 10,000 secondary school scholarships and leadership to academically and socially marginalized young Kenyans.

KCB Foundation

KCB Foundation also provides four-year full scholarships for bright but needy students joining high
. It targets 240 students each year. The qualifications are:

1should be from a needy home

2. Should have scored at least the county cut off marks

3. Should have received an admission letter from a national or county secondary school

Also the KCB provides mentorship and internship during and after your higher education students. The Foundation also provides helpful devices, personal effects and other learning materials for students with disabilities

3. KENGEN Foundation Scholarships

It targets high achievers in KCPE and and KCSE and was launched in 2005.

University sponsorships for bright students

There are several opportunities for aid available for students who want to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies locally and internationally. Here are some of the sponsorship programs

1. Internal sponsorships from universities

Some Kenyan universities have sset up internal financial aid departments to help bright students cover their fees. One such is Strathmore University which offers merit-based scholarships for diplomas and undergraduate students in the school. USIU Africa offers full scholarships to two top achievers (a girl and a boy) in KCSE.

2. University sponsorship in collaboration with external partners

Some universities have partnered with other oragnizations to offer scholarships to bright students.

3. Ministry of Education Scholarships

Each year, the ministry of Education lists scholarships available in Kenya and internationally. Visit the website regularly to find out more about the current scholarship programs

3. Annual international scholarships

Some of the annual international scholarships that target bright students include.

1. DAAD scholarships- the program offers merit-based sponsorship to study at a university in Germany

2. Commonwealth Scholarships nd Fellowships

3. Rhodes Scholarships for Kenya