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

By Mike Rwothomio

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

This opportunity marks a significant milestone for the ambitious learner, who  now join a private institution with an enrollment of 836 students, located in Paidha Town Council.

Mungunuti, despite excelling academically with an aggregate score of 15 in her 2024 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) at Paidha Model Nursery and Primary School, faced significant barriers to continuing her education. 

Financial constraints frequently kept her out of class for much of the previous academic year, threatening her transition to secondary education. 

Raised by her father, a single parent, her hopes of advancing dimmed as the family struggled to afford school fees.

Her fortunes changed following a marathon organized by a local Community-Based Organization (CBO) in Zombo, aimed at advocating for girls’ retention in school and raising awareness about the benefits of menstrual hygiene management.

 Mungunuti, who had nearly abandoned her educational aspirations, participated in the event. 

Her compelling story captured the attention of organizers, who shared it with attendees. 

An official from Charity College Paidha promptly intervened, facilitating her admission and securing her scholarship.

On April 10, 2025, this publication visited Charity College Paidha to assess Mungunuti’s academic progress.

 Headteacher Andrew Olweny, in an interview, affirmed her successful integration into the school community. “We embraced her as part of our family and offered her a full scholarship because her story is deeply inspiring,” Olweny stated.

 He added, “Keren is a diligent student. We learned she was independently managing her studies despite challenges. We are committed to supporting her from Senior One through Senior Six.”

Mungunuti’s journey through primary education was fraught with difficulties.

 In 2024, she spent the entirety of Terms Two and Three out of school due to unpaid fees. During this period, she maintained her studies independently, often revising 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 shared in an interview.

 “I kept myself busy reading books at the library.”

Her resilience and determination shine through her aspirations. 

“I want to become a technologist,” Mungunuti declared, offering encouragement to peers facing similar financial hurdles. 

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

Mungunuti’s story reflects broader systemic challenges in Zombo District, where access to secondary education remains elusive for many girls.

 Economic hardship often forces young girls into early marriages, curtailing their academic pursuits.

 Last year, Zombo’s District Education Officer  Nickolas Odeba, reported a 10% dropout rate at the primary level, urging parents and guardians to prioritize education.

 Reports indicate that girls face compounded barriers, including early marriage and pregnancy, which disproportionately disrupt their schooling.

Charity College’s Headteacher Olweny remains optimistic about Mungunuti’s trajectory, projecting that by age 15, she will complete her Ordinary Level (O-Level) education with the school’s unwavering support.

The Queen of West Nile, Patricia Jane Alobo, praised Charity College Paidha for its intervention.

 “I extend my deepest gratitude to Paidha Charity College for supporting one of our young girls. Your generosity nurtures a brilliant mind and sets a powerful example,” Alobo told this publication. 

She emphasized the transformative potential of educating girls, stating, “Every institution must recognize the immense value of girl-child education. In a world where knowledge drives empowerment, we must uplift every talented girl.”

Alobo’s sentiments echo recent policy efforts in the region.

Alobo’s plea was re-echoed by Zombo’s youth chairperson Amos, who urged Schools around to offer scholarships for such talented individuals.

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

Mungunuti’s scholarship follows a precedent set earlier this year when this publication highlighted the story of Domtila Pimer, a Primary Seven student from Warr Public Nursery and Primary School. Despite achieving a Division One with 10 aggregates in her PLE, Pimer faced financial barriers. She was subsequently awarded a full scholarship to a secondary school in Kampala.

Mungunuti’s journey exemplifies the impact of targeted educational interventions and community advocacy in addressing inequities, offering hope to countless girls striving to realize their academic potential in Zombo District and beyond.

“I want to thank Clarity College for picking me up, I wouldn’t have been here, may God bless the school” Mungunuti said.