Pionze Rida, a 27-year-old mother of four from Lugari Sub-county in Kakamega County, who expressed her passion to continue with her studies after her 10-year marriage failed, has finally enrolled for secondary school.
Ms. Rida told the Western Kenya Times‘ reporter that she ended her 75-year-old marriage, which she entered as a teenager, because her ex-husband used to mistreat her and look down upon her for not being learned.
The young and ambitious woman decided to join Mahiga Primary School in Mautuma Ward, where she did her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education and scored 316 marks, emerging as the second-best candidate in her class.
On Monday, Pionze accompanied her area chief, Pamela Kulali, to St. Augustine’s Mlimani Mixed Day and Boarding School, her favorite, to join Form One, two weeks after the national exercise kicked off.
Ms. Kulali, who met her admission requirements, purchased her school uniform, and paid her Sh10,000 Form One fees, has promised to ensure she sponsors her to finish her secondary education.
“Age does not matter; what matters is that you get an education. This woman has shown an interest in learning, and I will educate her so that she can be an asset to society,” she said.
On her side, Pionze Rida thanked the chief for her support and vowed to do her best to achieve her dream of becoming a dentist.
“I am going to do everything to make sure my dream of becoming a dentist is accomplished,” she said.
She also thanked the Western Kenya Times for airing her story and asked readers and leaders to support the growing media.
St. Augustine’s school principal, Fernandes Musi, welcomed the young lady and assured her of the best learning environment.
“Be disciplined, work hard, and be sure of our support,” Mr. Musi said.
Tom Lutali is a seasoned scribe based in Lugari Sub-County in Kakamega County who writes human interest stories and sports for WKT.
