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Father of three goes back to school after 23 years

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Published on Tuesday, 08 February 2011 06:40

With his height and light body and dressed in neat uniform, one can easily mistake him for an ordinary secondary school pupil.

Only his chin - roughened by the many years of shaving the beard –– betrays his age. Meet Isaac Obare Ogao, 42, a father of three in Gucha South who has returned to school 23 years after quitting due lack of school fees.

Ogao, who is a student at Nyango Secondary School, says it is never too late to achieve his dream of becoming a teacher.

From left, Joan Chebet, 22, South Mugirango MP Manson Nyamweya and Obare Ogao, 42. Ogao and Chebet have returned to school to continue with their studies years after quitting. Photo: Kenan Miruka/Standard

He missed his first opportunity in 1987 when he sat for KCPE. Despite scoring 464 marks out of a possible 700 he could not join secondary school. His parents could not educate his nine other siblings and the lucky ones got to Form Four.

"After I dropped out of school, I tried farming, soapstone carving and business, I have realised only education could help me out,

" says Ogao. Now, he wants to train as a teacher after his secondary school education.

"After soul searching last year, I decided to go back to school to see if I could change my fortunes. I have realised education is the key to success. I told my wife and she supported me," he says.

His children were not surprised at his decision to return to school because he always helped them to do their homework. His eldest child will be sitting KCPE this year.

When he joined school, fellow students were not amused and for some time he was a laughing stock. Some boys poked fun at him.

"The boys really gave me a hard time at first but they came to appreciate my situation. Owing to my good performance, they have come to like me," says Ogao. Despite his age, he was the best student last year in Form I.

The school’s principal Samwel Ongondi describes Ogao as a good student with potential to do well in academics. His favourite subject is Kiswahili.

"He has shown determination to achieve. The other students were uneasy at first but he is now one of them," says the principal.

Balancing between being a father and a student has been a daunting task.

"It is hard especially when it comes to finances. I have a family to feed and my wife is sickly. I have an outstanding hospital bill of Sh50, 000 to pay and I urge well-wishers to help," he says.