Dadaab school beats odds to get impressive score in KCSE

When Dadaab is mentioned, what comes to mind is the tough life at the renowned refugee camp in Garissa County.

But students of Gedi Mixed Secondary School have now brought a positive focus for the area, through excellent grades in the 2019 Kenya Certificate Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.

The school emerged the best in Dadaab Sub-County.

FIRST ATTEMPT

Situated in the middle of the semi-arid sub-county, the school registered students to sit the exam for the first time and managed to achieve a mean score of C plain of 6.456 points.

After enduring a series of challenges ranging from lack of classrooms, enough teachers and insecurity, out of 130 students who sat for the exams, the top three students scored B- (minus) followed by 11 with C +.

Others were 14 C, 36 C-, 28 D+, 31 D and five D-

Registered in 2017, the school started with only 80 students who have now flown its flag high with the good performance in this year’s examinations.

Feisal Gedi, the founder and principal, said it was not an easy journey since the students are sponsored by the school.

PROUD

“They have made all of us proud. Working hard really pays,” said Mr Gedi who was excited by the performance.

No incident of cheating was reported in the school.

The top student in the exam, Abdinoor Ali Elmi, could not hide his joy and excitement, saying nothing is impossible.

“I am happy even though I was expecting something better. But I am thankful,” said Elmi.

The students, who have challenge accessing reading materials, endured long nights in school as the revised for the exams.

SLEEP IN SCHOOL

“Most of them attend classes until 9pm before they retire for the day, with some opting to sleep at the Mosque inside the school,” explained Mr Gedi.

The school also lacks enough teachers.

“Our main challenge has been getting good teachers since few are willing to risk their lives to come to this area,” Mr. Gedi says.

Those who excel in their school work get automatic tuition sponsorship from the school.

“We try to encourage the students to perform well. We sponsor the top two in each class as they progress through their years in school.

One of the parents, Mama Maryan, said their main fear has been insecurity for their children.

“I really appreciate the efforts of the school’s staff. Through their teamwork and hard work they produced god results,” said Ms Maryan.