Children in rural schools in Kakamega County, Kenya cannot read and comprehend simple passage. Reading books and materials to enhance english and kiswahili language are unavailable both at school and at home. Children lack the basic competencies expected of a child completing primary level education. Yet 5 of the six learning subjects are taught in english. Our aim is to improve literacy and learning outcomes for 3,500 children, enhance their essential skills to take into their working life.
Only 1 out of 10 children in rural Kenyan primary schools are completing grade 8 without having acquired the basic competencies expected of a child completing grade 2. schools do not have reading books. Grade specific books are not available. Children do not have proper guide to use of library books despite having a library lesson on the school curriculum timetable. The government supports with some course books. Most of the children show no improvement in learning outcomes.
Action for Child Development Trust will provide reading books that suite the age and taste of children, train two teachers at each school as librarians and how to implement a library lesson, induct parents in the school on how to support children reading and use of library sessions. A lockable cupboard will be set up at each of the school for safe keeping of the books.
School children will access child friendly school library, the designated library period per week will be used for the library as planned. Children will engage in library activities are designated period per week and per school term. Schools will run and manage reading promotion activities for students. The project will improve the quality of children literacy and learning.
