By MN Reporter

Kadika Girls Secondary School in the outskirts of Migori town has started a cashless canteen to help needy students access basic needs and continue with education.

The school’s principal Roselyn Ochieng said the move was established in 2017 and students in dire need can pop into the canteen and acquire basics items to help them manage their stay in school.

“We came up with the idea after realizing that some of our best students came from poor backgrounds and lack essentials, the move has helped bolster self-esteem and impact positively on students relations,” Ochieng’ said.

She said the programme is handy in ensuring that the affected students don’t feel isolated.

Under the cashless canteen program, students and the teaching fraternity donate essentials such as sanitary equipments, uniforms, laundry materials and even books which are then deposited at the canteen.

“Vulnerable students are then identified through the counseling department and their names listed. The students can then visit the canteen on a need to need basis and access the commodities,” she said.

Ochieng noted that a section of the teaching staff have come up to pay part of the school fees of the affected students though there are  plans to set up an endowment kitty where well wishers can contribute to cater for school fees of the affected students.

Among the beneficiary is Sheryl Bokelo after she reported to school empty handed.

Her mother Mama Jane Adhiambo Bokelo said she could not raise any fee for the daughter however much she performed well and admitted to a good school.

“I have been struggling to pay fees for her, and this programme will help her stay in school as I seek to have bursaries and wellwishers clear her fees,” Bokelo said.