NIC Bank on Wednesday hosted Goldalyn Kakuya, the best performing student in the 2017 KCPE examinations, for a congratulatory luncheon at its headquarters in Nairobi. Goldalyn, who scored 455 out of 500 marks at St. Anne Junior Lubao, was accompanied by her family.
NIC Bank sponsored Goldalyn’s primary school education through the Dr Choksey Albinism Foundation, which works with economically disadvantaged children who have albinism to improve the quality of their education.
Speaking at the event, NIC Bank’s Group Managing Director, John Gachora, pledged that the bank would maintain its support for the Dr Choksey Albinism Foundation. He said that Galdalyn’s stellar performance during the KCPE exams was a compelling example of the high quality of the work that Dr. Choksey was doing through her foundation.
“Education is a central pillar of our corporate citizenship agenda. We believe that it is young, brilliant minds, like Goldalyn who hold the answer to society’s most pressing problems,” said Mr. Gachora.
Also present at the luncheon was Dr. Prabha Choksey, whose foundation is focused on creating awareness about the education needs of children with albinism. Her foundation also provides free eye checkup and glasses.
“Over 80% of children with albinism attend schools for the visually impaired at primary school level. This is despite the fact that, with prescription glasses and a little assistance with large type text and high contrast written material, all children with albinism can attend normal schools,” said Dr Choksey.
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Goldalyn, who was given an opportunity to address the bank’s management and Dr Choksey, noted her eagerness to raise awareness about the education needs of children with albinism.
“The important thing is not being number one, but offering an example of hard work and consistency to others,” she said.
Ever since the early announcement of the KCPE results just 19 days after the exams, Goldalyn has emerged as symbol of resilience and determination due to her positive outlook on life.
The 14 year old comes from a family of five; and she and her younger brother, Shevard, have albinism. She has received national acclaim for her outstanding performance, which has helped counter prejudices about albinism.
