On Thursday, June 7th a total of 6,695 students, from schools in Taita Taveta County received bursaries totaling KSh70 million. The selection process included students from schools, colleges and universities chosen by a subcommittee elected by the community for allocation. Students with disabilities in schools within the Kasigau Corridor REDD+ project were also considered.
Beneficiaries hailed from locations such as Mwatate, Mwachabo, Marungu, Kasigau, Mackinnon and Sagalla. During the disbursement launch in Mwatate, Governor Andrew Mwadime expressed gratitude to Wildlife Works for their assistance. He Highlighted how the bursaries positively impact education and future prospects for students.
Mwadime emphasized the significance of education in shaping student’s futures in the county especially with few industries. He mentioned that education empowered them to explore opportunities beyond their community.
Joseph Mwakima from Wildlife Works stressed the importance of community involvement in conserving the forest ecosystem and providing support. He mentioned that conservation efforts have enabled all students in the area to benefit from bursaries, which has effects on both students and the wider community.
Since 2012 the educational investment program has provided school bursaries to 43,837 students with, over KSh273 million distributed so far. The revenue generated from the sale of carbon credits, as part of the Kasigau Corridor REDD+ project is used to support these scholarships in collaboration with the community. This unique community management approach places an emphasis, on education, infrastructure development, healthcare and the welfare of the community.