A form 4 student was elated on Friday, September 23, 2022, after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua offered her a full scholarship.
This is after the Thika School student, who is visually impaired, caught the DP's attention when she sang during the finals of the just-concluded Music Festival held at Kisumu Girls High School, Kisumu County.
The country's second-in-command acknowledged that he was impressed by the girl's voice, adding that it was the most melodious voice he had ever heard in his entire life.
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"I have listened to a student in Form 4 from the Thika School of the visually impaired by the name June. I have heard the most melodious voice I have ever had in my life,
"In recognition of this melody and to encourage the young girl, I will take over her education up to where she goes," he stated.
The DP was in the county to represent President William Ruto, who was away on official trips.
He arrived in the county accompanied by outgoing Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) George Magoha, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Veronica Maina, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Bomet women representative, among other Kenya kwanza leaders.
As the festival marked an end, the former Mathira Member of Parliament (MP) lauded the organizers for ensuring the festival was a success.
Congratulations to the teachers, organizers and the parents for a job well done.
Accompanied by CS for Education George Magoha, Kisumu Gov Anyang Nyongo and a host of leaders pic.twitter.com/hWWFlIYr4M— Rigathi Gachagua (@rigathi) September 23, 2022
He also hailed the national government officials for working in unity with the organizers to ensure that the learners sharpen their skills through co-curricular activities.
The DP expressed that he was amazed that the learners showcased their gifts and talents, adding that it was a wonderful experience to watch the plays and poems.
"May I encourage our teachers to continue doing the good job they are doing in harnessing the talent of our young people through co-curricular activities," he stated.
Music Festival
A music festival is a significant annual event featuring learners performing, identifying and nurturing artistic talent.
The festival features countrywide learners from ECD, Primary, Secondary, college and University students.
Leading schools are expected to perform at the Kisumu State House during the state concert on Saturday, September 24, 2022, where President Ruto is expected to be present as the guest of honour.
Organizers of the event had earlier stated that they were yet to get a confirmation of his attendance.
The festival was resumed after a two-year lull occasioned by the Corona Virus pandemic.
At the time, Education Principal Secretary Julius Jwan announced that the government had allowed the resumption of co-curricular activities across learning institutions countrywide.
While urging schools and teachers to prepare adequately for the competitions, Jwan expressed that the co-curriculum activities were crucial for the well-being of learners.
"The Ministry of Education, in consultation with key stakeholders, has decided that co-curricular activities resume fully in all basic learning institutions. In term two, 2022, primary and secondary school sports and music will be activated," he stated.
Acting KMF Executive secretary Janet Langat also announced that music directors would use the 2021 syllabus to attract extra classes per this year's theme 'Kenya My Pride, My Future.'
"I wish to inform you that w shall be using the 2021 KMF syllabus and set pieces during this year's festival; however, some additional set pieces will be communicated to you," Langat stated.
"More information on the festival will follow in due course. Schools are therefore advised to start training their teams," she added.
The finals for the festival were hosted by Kisumu Girls, Kisumu Boys and Arya Primary school.
