HELB asks teachers to assist in identifying needy students

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is urging teachers to help identify students who are genuinely in need in order to provide fair access to funding for higher education.

HELB’s CEO, Geoffrey Monari, highlighted that improved cooperation with schools can help prevent misuse of funds and ensure that financial assistance reaches the most deserving students.

He pointed out that previous efforts to collaborate with local chiefs to verify cases of need had been undermined by instances of exaggerated claims and requests for payment to issue recommendation letters.

“In some instances, it seemed like everyone in the community suddenly claimed to be needy, and some chiefs began asking for bribes to provide these letters,” Monari explained.

He also mentioned that some students who genuinely require assistance are reluctant to reveal their circumstances due to stigma, while others from wealthy families falsely present themselves as needy, knowing there are minimal repercussions.

“To tackle this issue, we want teachers to help us evaluate students’ financial situations throughout their schooling. This will ensure that funding is directed to those who truly need it, so that no deserving student is overlooked,” Monari stated.