By Sharon Runge | Executive Director, USA
During the Covid pandemic, schools were closed indefinitely in Kenya. We realized that to keep students learning while at home, we needed to reach them where they were and that was through the radio. A Radio Read Aloud program was created to deliver educational content through a read aloud book and a follow up lesson. The program is interactive with call-ins and SMS (texting) feedback. It was highly successful and the radio station shared that close to 400,000 people listened.
We have continued this program during the Kenyan school breaks. The program is broadcasted on Saturday mornings when most communities are likely to listen. Each week our staff chooses a student to be the Star Reader for the week and Kelvin, our Coordinator for Quality Education, creates questions and activities for the learners.
Emmanuel and his nephew Jason, from Matuu in the Yatta SubCounty, learned about Kenya Connect by tuning into our radio show. They decided to make a visit to our library. The smiles on their faces could not hide the excitement to be in a library in our rural village. They were amazed by the diverse and gorgeous collection of books. They registered and received their library cards and they have continued visiting the library to check out books during school breaks. During their fourth visit to the library, they brought their friend, Nicholus, a Maths/Chemistry teacher. He joined our library too!
Librarian Esther is thrilled that the Radio Read Aloud is bringing in new library members. "It's so exciting when someone finds our library after hearing our Radio Read Aloud program!"
Radio is not just a broadcast tool; it’s a bridge for learning. Consistent, structured programming has built trust and loyalty among listeners. Radio education programs can bridge the physical and digital divide, creating connections and transforming education in rural Kenya. It’s a testament that when technology meets cultural relevance, impact follows. We are excited our village of readers continues to grow!
By Sharon Runge | Executive Director
By Sharon Runge | Executive Director
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