As the back-to-school rush season goes on, many parents in Meru County have opted to buy second-hand books for their children as a way to cut costs due to the prevailing economic hard times.
Secondhand book sellers on the other hand are smiling as they cash in on the windfall from the increased sales as demand shoots up.
One of the parents Ms Prisca Gakii told KNA that she goes for second-hand books because she can save some money that she will use for paying school fees.
She added that a Form-One student is also safe with the old books at school as other students tend to take advantage of their naivety to steal the new books from them.
‘While a new Oxford dictionary is selling at almost Sh1,900, a used one goes for Sh1400, and since they contain the same content. I prefer the old but cheaper one,’ said Ms Gakii.
She also said that buying a new book for a student in the final year of her course is a waste of money especially when there is no one else in the family to use them afterward.
Janet Wamuyu wh
o is a second-hand books trader said that the opening of the first term is always their peak season since learners have to transition from one grade or class to another, which calls for a new set of books.
She said that this is the period Form One students are joining school thus increasing the demand for books, such as dictionaries, Kamusi, and Golden Bells among others.
She added that during this peak season, it is easy to acquire books for new stock.
‘We exchange books for the next grade or class at a low rate which helps parents rather than buying another new set of books for the new class,’ said Ms Wamuyu.
She added that they buy books for new stock from parents whose children have completed studies and have no need to keep them anymore.
Wamuyu however said that the business is challenging especially during other times of the year when only a few revision books are in demand.
Source: Kenya News Agency
WINDHOEK: Rössing Uranium on Monday handed over a donation of 400 school bags filled with stationery to Tsumkwe Senior Secondary School as part of the Women in Media (WiM) Tsumkwe outreach initiative.
During the handover ceremony, Rössing Uranium Corporate Communication Manager Daylight Ekandjo said preparations for the donation had been underway since last year. Rössing Uranium pledged N.dollars 250 000 towards the initiative in response to a request from Women in Media.
‘We acknowledge the challenges faced by learners, teachers, and the community of Tsumkwe. It is in the face of challenges that resilience is forged, and it is our hope that these school bags and stationery will alleviate some of the burdens, enabling our future employees to focus on their studies and aspire to greater heights. This donation today is a small contribution towards a collective goal. It reflects our belief in the potential of the young minds of Tsumkwe and our commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the communitie
s where we live, work and beyond,’ she said.
Ekandjo also extended gratitude to Women in Media for the partnership.
‘It is through such partnerships that we can create a lasting impact, ensuring that every child receives the education they deserve,’ Ekandjo said.
Women in Media founder Limba Mupetami thanked Rössing Uranium for joining forces with WiM and for their contribution. School principal Christof Ngavetene also extended his gratitude to Rössing Uranium for the donation.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency