Caritas dux slams use of dropout label on students

By JECONIAH LUKIMA
Students should not be called dropouts, says the 2018 overall dux of Caritas Technical Secondary School Ruth Leki.
She was speaking during the graduation of 171 grade 12 from the all-girl Catholic school yesterday.
“Most of the students here shouldn’t be given the title dropouts because they are some of the smartest women that I know,” Leki said.
She was one of the two duxes at the 19th graduation of the school.
Joni Babona was awarded the dux award for the humanitarian stream while Leki was awarded dux for the science stream and overall dux.
Leki was first in language and literature, general mathematics, information and communications technology, office administration, Christian living, chemistry, biology and tourism and hospitality management.
She stayed away from school for three years and went through a hard time to overcome challenges and depression.
“I am grateful and humbled,” Leki said.
“I wouldn’t have come this far without my parents’ support and most important of all, God. All glory and honour goes to God. I stayed away from school for about three years. In that period of time, I had to battle depression.
“When my mum got sick, I had questions on whether or not I was going to continue my studies.”
Leki said it was through her dad’s support and advice, and her best friend, that she returned to school and completed her secondary education.
Babona also thanked her family and God for her achievements.
“Truly I can’t do anything without God,” she said.
Babona encouraged everyone to believe in themselves and work hard.
Academic principal Willma Patenge said the school’s objective was to promote honest and productive citizens. “Apart from the academic knowledge, we also equip them with life skills offered in the technical subjects to empower them to go out there and be more productive,” she said.