Education is a key factor in breaking the cycle of poverty, leading to a stronger workforce and economic development in the long term, the Member for Kerowagi District, Hon. Francis Kikin Siune, said.
MP Siune said this on February 12 in unveiling a major education assistance initiative under the District Development Authority (DDA), committing K3.7 million to support students’ school fees in the District.
As part of the initiative, families must plant 300 coffee trees to qualify for assistance in the coming year, a move aimed at boosting both education and local economic sustainability.
The district’s focus is on human resources development by providing support and assistance to the people in education, training and business promotion, especially in agriculture and coffee planting.
MP Siune emphasized the government's commitment to free education and DDA support, while also highlighting the need for parents to contribute to their children’s schooling in other ways, such as purchasing school supplies and maintaining discipline at home.
“We are not just paying school fees; we are creating a future where students can sustain themselves beyond formal education. If a student does not continue in school, they will have their coffee trees to fall back on,” he said.
The support extends to students attending universities, colleges, TVET schools, and technical schools.
The program will cover 1,471 students from all the Local Level Governments in Kerowagi, including 48 students studying overseas, with each student receiving K2,500 to ease the financial burden on their parents. This marks an increase of K1.29 million from the 2024 allocation.
Conditional Assistance:
MP Siune stressed the importance of economic self-reliance and tied the school fee support to agricultural development.
“To be eligible next year, families must plant 300 coffee trees. This will increase the district’s coffee production, contribute to the economy, and provide long-term financial security for families,” he explained.
This strategy aligns with efforts to encourage agribusiness and entrepreneurship among young people, and the idea that employment is not limited to the formal sector.
Other conditions that will make students eligible to receive school-fee assistance are to engage in community education programs, support and promote church activities, help with maintenance, cleaning and beautification of Kerowagi township, and plant at least 500 coffee trees.
Law and Order Priorities
Addressing concerns about law and order, MP Siune revealed that K1 million, or 10% of the DDA’s budget, has been allocated to security initiatives, covering police operations, discipline forces, peace mediation, and community resettlement.
“My goal is to create a law-abiding citizenry where police only need to monitor, not constantly intervene,” he said.
MP Siune urged students to take their education seriously, maintain discipline, and contribute positively to their communities.
“You are the cream of this district. You must be role models and work toward building not just your future but the future of this nation,” he told students.
The school fee assistance program is expected to be disbursed before the end of the month, with funds paid directly to respective institutions. Families are encouraged to prepare for the coffee planting requirement to ensure eligibility in the next academic year.
MP Siune acknowledged his committees in the district for successfully implementing the program without any reported misuse of funds. The initiative, which he started in 2023, has continued due to its success.
