By Monica Nashon
For 35 years, Mrs. Matilda Okumu dedicated her life to teaching, a profession she loved deeply and pursued with unwavering passion.
Her journey in education extended far beyond books and classrooms.
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It was about shaping lives, restoring hope, and nurturing the dreams of vulnerable girls.
Matilda’s path was profoundly influenced by her former principal, Madam Tabitha Mwango, whose mentorship helped shape both her career and character.
Coming from a humble background, Matilda understood what it meant to be supported—an experience that would later define her approach to teaching.
As an educator, she became known for her close connection with students, particularly those who struggled academically and socially.
She believed in walking with them step by step, encouraging them and building their confidence.
“I got so attached to weak students who were willing to be helped. I never discriminated them; instead, they became my close friends,” she said.
“Some students had very difficult backgrounds, and I always felt the need to support them, not just in class but also in life,” she added.
Her concern extended beyond academics. She encountered orphaned girls, students lacking basic needs, and others facing serious social challenges.
Whenever she could, she stepped in—sometimes providing food, paying school fees, or simply offering a listening ear.
In 2008, Matilda was appointed principal at Bishop Abiero Girls Magwar in Kisumu West. The young rural school grew steadily under her leadership.
Many of the students she admitted came from disadvantaged backgrounds, including girls who had dropped out due to pregnancy or poverty.
“I encouraged girls who had dropped out to return to school and reminded them that their future was not over,” she said.
“Even parents who had little were encouraged to contribute small amounts so their daughters could stay in school,” she added.
Later transferred to Bande Girls, she continued her mission of supporting needy students, even working with fellow teachers to fully sponsor some of them.
She built deep trust with her students, handling their personal struggles with confidentiality.
In some cases, she went beyond her professional duty, opening her home to students—hosting several girls at a time and mentoring them both academically and socially.
Despite her achievements, her career was not without challenges, particularly with the rise of exam cheating. Still, she remained steadfast in her principles.
“I am totally against cheating because it does not help students become what they are meant to be,” she said.
“Even when there was pressure, I chose to stand for integrity because true success comes from hard work,” she added.
Matilda also believed that success looks different for every student, encouraging each to pursue a path aligned with their abilities.
On December 23, 2025, she retired after 18 years as a principal, describing her departure from service as peaceful and fulfilling.
Her husband, Dr. Julius Okumu Okora, a lecturer at the University of Kabianga, shared her passion for uplifting others. Since their marriage in 1990, the couple has supported and mentored many children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“We focused on helping students from poor backgrounds who had a desire to learn and grow,” he said.
“It has not been easy, but we have seen many of them succeed and build meaningful lives,” he added.
Their work extended beyond education into ministry, where they served through evangelism and community outreach. Even in retirement, they plan to continue serving in the church while engaging in small businesses and farming.
Family members and former students describe Matilda as a pillar, mentor, and role model. Her sister, Monica Oguta, credits her with shaping her life and education.
“Matilda has been a pillar and a mentor in our family. She supported my education and helped me become who I am,” she said.
“She is not just a sister to me but a mother figure who has guided many of us,” she added.
Her longtime friend, Belia Onjala, recalled their journey from high school, where they built a strong foundation in faith and academics.
“We supported each other through school and life, and that friendship helped shape our future,” she said.
“Young people should choose friends who guide them well and help them grow,” she added.
Former student Odhiambo Joseph described Matilda and her husband as parental figures in his life.
“I am who I am today because of Mama Matilda and Daddy Julius. They took me in and supported my education,” he said.
“They guided me in life, and I now have a family because of the foundation they gave me,” he added.
Another former student, Beatrice Besa, shared how Matilda changed her life at a critical moment when she was on the verge of dropping out of school.
“She stepped in when I had no school fees and supported my education,” she said.
“She taught us to walk in truth and integrity, and that has guided my life to this day,” she added.
Today, Beatrice serves as deputy head teacher at Chachi Comprehensive School, inspired by Matilda’s example.
In total, more than 40 individuals passed through the care of Matilda and her husband, many of whom now lead stable and successful lives.
Matilda Okumu’s story is not just about a career in teaching—it is about a life of impact. She gave hope where there was despair, strength where there was weakness, and direction where there was confusion.
As she steps into retirement, her journey stands as a powerful reminder that one person, driven by compassion and purpose, can change the world—one life at a time.
