Kenyans Rally to Help Student Pictured in Torn Sandals [PHOTOS]

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Students learn in open space in Nyando, Kisumu County after schools reopened on Monday, January 4, 2021
Denish Ochieng

As schools reopened on January 4, students in some schools were forced to have their classes outside under trees shades due to lack of space.

In one photo that was widely circulated, a pupil was seen seated on the floor of the class, whose roof was half-complete, with his torn sandals capturing the sympathy of netizens and well-wishers.

Clad in a white shirt and blue shorts, the young boys appeared deeply engrossed in his books using the natural rays of the sun as his light source.

Clinton Ojwang (centre), a grade three pupil at Ogenya Primary School in Kisumu County  ​
Clinton Ojwang (centre), a grade three pupil at Ogenya Primary School in Kisumu County
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The picture which was taken by The Standard's, Denish Ochieng captured the hearts of many who sought assistance for the boy. 

The boy has since been identified as Clinton Ojwang, a grade three pupil at Ogenya Primary School in Kisumu County.

Kenyans.co.ke talked to Silas Odhiambo, a philanthropist and CEO of Good Hearted Friends who managed to track down the boy.

Odhiambo explained that he learned of the plight of the young boy from the picture which was circulated on social media and being from the same location, he sought to look for the boy to see how he could assist.  

"The pupil and his family were displaced by flooding in the area and they now live in one of the camps along the river Nyando," he told this writer over the phone.

He disclosed that through well-wishers, they were able to provide Ojwang' with school supplies such as school uniform, several pairs of shoes, a bag, stationery and masks.

Clinton Ojwang (right) with Silas Odhiambo after receiving new schools supplies
Clinton Ojwang (right) with Silas Odhiambo after receiving new schools supplies
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"People have also sent money to the father to cater for foodstuff and other personal items for the student," he added.

Odhiambo explained that there were many other children with the same plight as Ojwang' and that he was in the process of mobilising resources to assist them.

"I have been running the organisation for 15 years and we have helped over 230 needy students get a good education," he stated acknowledging that more still needed to be done.

Clinton Ojwang, a grade three pupil at Ogenya Primary School in Kisumu County getting new school gear.
Clinton Ojwang, a grade three pupil at Ogenya Primary School in Kisumu County getting new school gear.
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