The Co-operative Bank has funded secondary education for 12 needy pupils. [Photo/standard.co.ke]

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Cooperative Bank Foundation has awarded scholarships to twelve pupils who sat for KCPE examinations in Bondo Sub County in 2017.

Speaking during the launch of 2018 scholarships awards in Bondo town, Cooperative Bank Director Winfred Ongoro said the bank will pay full secondary fees for the beneficiaries for four years provided they maintain high academic performance and discipline.

Ongoro disclosed that more than 2000 bright and needy pupils applied for the scholarship but only the twelve were successful after they met the set guidelines which included their parents being members of cooperative societies.

“We were not only picking bright and needy pupils, as Cooperative Bank we have adopted a completely different approach from other financial institution and the pupils’ parents or guardians were required to be members of cooperative society as these encourage economic growth in the region” Ongoro explained.

He further disclosed that the program which commenced in 2008 has so far awarded scholarships to 62 pupils in Bondo and to more than 700 pupils in Nyanza Region.

“Cooperative bank has invested in education because it is an equalizer in the society and it is the only sure means of bringing real change in the society. So far we have invested more than 280 million shillings in Nyanza and 25 million shillings in Bondo Sub County.” Ongoro said

Ongoro who was flanked by the sub-county Cooperative Development Officer Aineah Ayamba, asked the pupils to work hard in school so that their scholarship is not discontinued.

He asked the parents and guardians to ensure the pupils are well-taken care off so that they can make a difference in the society.

 Ayamba on his part appealed to local political leadership to support cooperative societies in the region that would alleviate poverty and save parents from the burden of paying school fee.

He regretted that the county government of Siaya failed to establish the Cooperative Development Fund despite being included in 2016/2017 budget.