Akiba: Stress Free Secondary Education
Since our partnership with Gyetighi Primary School (GPS) began in 2007, more and more students are passing their exams and qualifying to continue on to secondary education. In fact, last year 98% of the Standard 7 class passed the all-important National Exam.
While test results improved, many families in the area still face barriers that prevent them from sending their children on to secondary school. The immense enrollment fees, which include new uniforms, shoes, books, school supplies, lunch contributions and more, cost parents a lump sum of $216,000 shillings, the equivalent of $94 USD. With annual incomes in our community averaging at $300 USD, parents are often unable to put one third of their earnings towards school fees.
Mama Jeska, a coffee worker who lives in neighboring Campi Nairobi, knows this struggle all to well. 10 years ago, she faced overwhelming barriers in sending her two oldest children to Oldeani Secondary School (OSS). “There was no specific work to do and no money to save. It was very, very hard during that time,” she shakes her head.
Remembering how hard it was to make ends meet, as Mama Jeska’s third child entered Standard 6, she decided to enroll in Akiba. Akiba, the TCF’s Parental Savings Program, is designed to help parents afford secondary school and support continued educations.
When a student enters Standard 6, the Akiba Program opens a savings account for families, inviting parents to contribute $5,000 shillings a month. For every contribution, TCF will provide $1,000 shillings in interest. “Akiba helps parents realize that they need to start putting money away early,” GPS Education Director Hailey explains. “A lot of parents cannot afford $200,000 shillings at one time,” she continues.
By starting to save two years out, parents can chip away at the secondary costs little by little. “With Akiba, it is easy,” Mama Jeska says, “the money is small, a little bit every month I can do.” For parents who save with Akiba in Standard 6 and Standard 7, the total of the monthly contributions over those two years fully covers the costs of entering secondary school. Empowering parents to be fully ready to support their children as they take the next big step in their education.
“Education is important. The life I live is difficult because I did not go to school,” Mama Jeska says. “I hope with Akiba, my kids will have a better life.”
Mama Jeska isn’t the only one ready to invest in their child’s bright future. This year, 32 parents are already saving with Akiba program. We are excited to continue working with the community to help ensure that secondary education is not just a dream, but a reality for every child!