A group of parents whose children are set to join various institutions of higher learning in Canada through the County Government of Uasin Gishu Education Overseas Program has called for a letup in politicization of the program.
This is after another group of parents who also have children in the program demanded for a refund of their money.
They claimed no progress has been made since they each paid over Ksh950,000 for their children to study in Canada last year.
But according to the second group of parents led by their chairman Kiprono Keitany and Simion Mitei, a majority of those that have demanded a refund had already placed their children in other universities.
“Some of the parents complaining have already withdrawn from the program and gone to other universities. If people have their own issues, let them say so but not to soil the good name of this initiative,” Keitany said after a meeting with county officials in Eldoret, Friday.
The parents defending the program now want those not satisfied with the arrangements to seek clarification with Deputy Governor Eng John Barorot who is in charge of the overseas program instead of spreading falsehoods.
Calmness and patience
They have also urged all parents of students set to benefit from the program to maintain calmness and patience as the county continues to expedite the airlift processes.
Some parents had claimed that students were yet to get offer letters and be subjected to biometrics and medical examination, a position contradicted by the other set of parents.
“We have paid money, children given offer letters, done medicals and biometrics. We’re just waiting for the visa,” said Simon Mitei, one of the parents whose children are to benefit from the Canada program.
“Those being told to wait for refunds and other things let them wait patiently as the county has a plan to address their issues,” added Mary Birgen, also a parent.
According to the parents, the program has provided a valuable opportunity for many students and stressed the importance of allowing the County Government of Uasin Gishu to carry out the necessary procedures smoothly and efficiently.
“We want our students to fly and we want them to succeed as they go for their studies,” said
During the Friday meeting, the parents had an opportunity to engage officials of Canadian institutions where the students are expected to be enrolled soon.
Abigael Chepchumba, a student set to travel to Canada under the overseas program said she was happy that the County has been transparent in relaying information concerning the program.
“Most of us are waiting for medicals and I urge fellow students to be patient,” said Chepchumba.
A majority of the Uasin Gishu students are expected to join Thompson Rivers University which has an agreement with the county on the overseas program.
