Society donates boxes, books, geometrical sets, and calculators, among others, putting a smile on the faces of needy and bright students.
It was tears of joy for students, parents and teachers as Solution Sacco extended a helping hand, donating school items to bright but needy families. Over 60 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) champions from public primary schools across nine counties: Meru, Tharaka Niithi, Laikipia, Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu, Nairobi, Kajiado and Kitui, received essential school items to aide their preparation in joining Form One.
It was a relief for parents whose burden of buying the essential school items was shouldered by Solution Sacco when the cost of living continued to rise.
Founded by teachers, the Sacco is committed to empowering communities through education and changing the face of education by offering solutions in all the areas it operates.
During an inaugural event recently held at Meru Sports Club that marked the launch of the Sacco’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities under the education pillar, the top students were celebrated and rewarded for their academic excellence. The event was graced by the leading Ministry of Education and Teachers Service Commission officials.
Brought up in humble backgrounds, the students proved their mettle, scoring high marks in the 2021 KCPE exam against the odds to secure places in top national schools.
The Sacco’s education CSR programme is an ultimate dream of ensuring students acquire quality education to change their socioeconomic status. They will be implemented by joining hands with the National Government, County Governments and various stakeholders to make them a success.
As an important part of empowering communities, the Sacco plans to increase budgetary allocation to the programmes to reach more needy families and extend support to other related educational activities. The Society has already started setting up a foundation that will put a lot of effort into achieving its CSR vision and mission.
“Education is the backbone of every Society in this world, but quality education still remains a dream for many. As Solution Sacco we want to ensure needy and bright students achieve their education dreams,” said Mr Francis Rimberia, the Sacco Board Chairman.
Mr Rimberia said the Society would scale up its funding of education programmes and activities as it remains committed to impacting lives and making a difference in the communities they serve.
He urged members, stakeholders and well-wishers to support the Sacco initiative noting that it will go a long way in transforming communities. “I believe we will be able to offer more support to the needy families in the future. This is just the beginning of bigger things we plan to accomplish in the future,” he said.
“We congratulate our students who have been chosen to be pioneers of this programme. You are outstanding, academically gifted, talented and leaders. You emerged victorious despite challenges in your final year brought about by the Covid-19. We assure you our full support as you join high schools,” said Mr Rimberia.
The Chairman said the Sacco staff would take up the roles of mentoring and fostering the students while keeping their academic track to ensure they excel.
Besides offering them moral and financial support in their academic journey, Mr Rimberia said they would also open accounts for students to inculcate a savings culture. “Solution Sacco offers tailored financial solutions and as an ultimate financial partner for all, we believe the students will also learn to save.”
Mr Daniel Marete, the Chief Executive Officer, said the support given to the families would significantly help many students proceed with their education. “It has touched me to see some here shed happy tears. I am happy that one student has been able to raise her full-year Form One fees from this event. We will expand this programme to reach more people,” he said.
Last year, Solution Sacco started a tree planting exercise targeting learning institutions under its environmental conservation pillar. So far, over 10,000 trees have been planted in various schools in partnerships with multiple stakeholders.
Mrs Harriet Mwithimbu, a board member who chairs the CSR committee, hailed the event as important in the Sacco’s history. “This Education CSR activity marks yet another milestone in our efforts of championing for our members’ and communities’ welfare. It is but a beginning, we will ensure it turns into a phenomenal activity that others can learn from,” she said.
