Zombo’s 12-year-old girl wins full scholarship after plea for school fees

Zombo: Keren Mungunuti, a 12-year-old girl from Alisi Thungu Cell in Paidha Town Council, Zombo District, has been awarded a full secondary school scholarship by Charity College Paidha. The scholarship covers her education from Senior One through Senior Six.

This life-changing opportunity follows her remarkable performance in the 2024 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), where she scored an aggregate of 15 at Paidha Model Nursery and Primary School. Despite her academic potential, financial hardships had cast doubt on her ability to continue her education.

Raised by a single father who could not afford tuition, Mungunuti missed most of the previous academic year. She spent Terms Two and Three out of class, often studying on her own at the Paidha Town Council library.

“I spent much of my time doing homework alone while my peers attended classes, as my father couldn’t afford the fees,” she said. “I kept myself busy reading books at the library.”

Her breakthrough came during a community marathon organized by a local Community-Based Organization (CBO) to promote girls’ education and menstrual hygiene. Mungunuti participated, and her inspiring story caught the attention of organizers and guests.

An official from Charity College Paidha was moved to action, arranging her admission and a full scholarship. Now enrolled in a private school with 836 students, Mungunuti is thriving.

“We embraced her as part of our family,” said Headteacher Andrew Olweny. “Her story is deeply inspiring. She is a diligent student who pursued education against all odds. We are committed to supporting her until she completes Senior Six.”

Mungunuti dreams of becoming a technologist and encourages fellow students not to give up despite financial struggles.

“If your parents lack money, don’t give up God is by your side,” she said.

Her story underscores systemic challenges in Zombo District, where poverty and gender-related issues such as early marriage and teenage pregnancy contribute to high dropout rates.

In 2024, District Education Officer Nickolas Odeba reported a 10% dropout rate among primary school students, urging families to prioritize education.

Mungunuti’s scholarship follows a similar case earlier this year involving Domtila Pimer, a Primary Seven student from Warr Public Nursery and Primary School. After scoring a Division One with 10 aggregates, she too was awarded a full scholarship despite financial barriers.

The Queen of West Nile, Patricia Jane Alobo, praised Charity College for stepping in to support Mungunuti.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to Charity College Paidha for supporting one of our young girls. Your generosity nurtures a brilliant mind and sets a powerful example,” Alobo said. “Every institution must recognize the immense value of girl-child education.”

Her sentiments were echoed by Zombo Youth Chairperson Amos, who urged other schools to support talented but vulnerable students.

Deputy Resident District Commissioner Grace Atim also emphasized collective responsibility during the signing of the Zombo Education Ordinance 2024: “It’s our joint duty to ensure our girls remain in school.”

As she embarks on her academic journey, Mungunuti remains deeply grateful.

“I want to thank Charity College for picking me up. I wouldn’t have been here without them. May God bless the school,” she said.

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