Malava Boys teachers, staff, students come to rescue of student who reported empty-handed

Phelix Omondi Otieno, a bright but vulnerable student from Kisumu County, has been given a second chance at hope after Malava Boys teachers and students stepped in to rescue his dream.

Omondi arrived at the school with nothing in his hands, no parent or guardian by his side, and no means to secure his admission.

His situation moved teachers and parents who were admitting their Grade 10 students, despite his outstanding academic performance.

A former student of Obwolo Comprehensive School, Omondi only managed to report to school after receiving transport money from a former teacher who believed in his potential and encouraged him to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor.

His mother, who survives by selling eggs on behalf of her employer, finds it difficult to educate him. Omondi’s father disappeared from their lives many years ago, leaving his mother to raise the boy alone.

His absence has been felt throughout Omondi’s childhood, shaping a life marked by hardship and resilience.

Despite scoring an Exceeding Expectations grade in Grade 10, Omondi was turned away by several schools in Kisumu due to his inability to meet admission requirements.

With no alternatives left, he travelled to his designated school. The Chief Principal of Malava Boys, Moses Moyi, admitted Omondi unconditionally, in line with the presidential directive on 100 per cent transition of Grade 10 learners to senior schools.

The school, which was allocated 615 Grade 10 slots, has so far admitted 395 students. The school purchased Omondi’s uniform, shoes and books.

Teachers pooled their personal resources to support his school fees, while fellow students sacrificed part of their pocket money to meet his basic needs such as toothpaste, tissue and other essentials.

“The entire school community came together for this child; everyone gave what little they could.”

The school administration has now called on donors and well-wishers to stand with Omondi and help secure his education, ensuring that poverty does not silence the dream of a future doctor.

According to the Malava Sub-County Education Officer, Rose Chisumi, the sub-county has currently recorded a 67 per cent transition rate to Grade 10 and expects to achieve 100 per cent transition by the end of the week.

She noted that more boys have joined secondary schools compared to girls. Through the support of National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), chiefs and assistant chiefs, the Sub-County Education Office is confident that Malava Sub-County will realise a 100 per cent transition rate.