KMTC Student Sells Vegetables at Night to Cover Tuition After Missing HELB Loan
Edna Mwango is facing the possibility of dropping out of college again due to financial struggles. After not receiving funds from the Higher Education Loan Board (HELB), she has turned to selling vegetables at night.
The student at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) is working towards a diploma in Orthopaedics and Trauma Medicine. She operates her vegetable business at night, selling items like tomatoes, sukuma wiki, onions, and other groceries on the streets of Kisii.
At 23, Mwango has taken this route after missing out on HELB support. “Right now, I have no money. At home, I’ve planted vegetables and napier grass. Since starting school, I’ve faced numerous challenges, juggling menial jobs with little time to study while trying to balance business and classes,” she shared with a heavy heart.
Her grandmother, Elmelda Moraa, who has raised her since childhood, acknowledged the hardships her granddaughter is enduring. Moraa noted that their home situation has been tough, impacting Mwango directly. “Selling vegetables in town to earn money is not ideal for a young woman,” she lamented.
Mwango has already deferred her studies twice due to financial issues and is now on the brink of dropping out once more for the same reason. Her principal, Daniel Onsate, expressed his awareness of her situation and sympathized with her struggles.
“She is facing difficulties in paying her fees, resorting to menial jobs that are beneath her, such as selling vegetables where she lives. This is very degrading for a student, yet she continues to persevere. We are aware of her situation, and she is seeking anyone who can help her cover her outstanding fees,” Onsate stated.