Empower, Engage, Educate in Rural Kenya!

Creativity, Collaboration and Critical Thinking.... these concepts are at the heart of learning in Wamunyu.  Thanks to partner, Level Up Village, 2nd graders at Muthetheni and Kambiti Primary Schools are learning about water and wind through Storybook Engineers and Water Discovery Classes.  These classes are done in conjunction with a partner class in the U.S. in which the students exchange video letters.

Students at Kambiti participated in Storybook Engineers and created two projects: making windmills and a bridge. They tested the bridge by making toy cars and creating a river using locally available materials. It was so much fun for the students! Team work, critical thinking and creativity were evident in all groups. The book "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" was read. Students were very motivated during the course when they watched their partners' videos. Goolsbye a student at Kambiti commented,"I enjoyed watching my partner's video and listening to the book about William. I learnt that windmills can produce electricity and pump water". Mrs. Elizabeth (their teacher at Kambiti PS) said,"Students have improved their listening skills. They could understand their friends' language.They were so interested in projects and their thinking ability has improved. This is in line with the new competency based curriculum."

Students in Muthetheni PS (Grade 2&3) have been doing the Discovery Water course.  They participated in two projects: making water containers for storing water and planting seeds to test whether seeds need water to grow.  Ivy commented, "I have learnt about the water cycle.  I liked seeing my partner's video and her photos.  What I liked most was the Read Aloud."  Another student, Mutheu, commented, "I learnt that our friends do not wear school uniforms like us.  My favorite topic was on water storage." Madam Muteti (grade 2 teacher) said, "My students gained more skills, knowledge and attitudes which they need in class.  The two projects enhanced creativity and innovation amongst learners as they were able to make a model of a water source using the locally available materials."

Learning should be fun and engaging.  Hands-on classes through LevelUp Village are captivating our youngest students' imaginations and nurturing them to become self-driven learners.  Teachers participating in these classes are also gaining ideas on incorporating these 21st century learning techniques into other content areas.

Bringing the joy of learning to our students is as result of donors like you who are providing the financial support that helps us offer these dynamic learning activities.  Margaret, Monicah, Brian, Cyrus, Patrick, and Esther, all members of our staff have embraced these programs and are enthusiastically working with students and teachers to provide hands-on creative learning.  We are grateful to you for making the "three Cs" the cornerstone of learning in Wamunyu!

"Happy World Read Aloud Day!!!" chanted the children at Ngangani Primary School. Ngangani was just one of Kenya Connect's partner schools who participated in World Read Aloud Day 2021 as part of our quest to become "The Village That Reads."  The celebrations on February 3rd included students and teachers reading books aloud, the creation of reading champion crowns, and inspirational stories by Kenya Connect  staff and teachers.  The staff issued 137 new library cards and inaugurated two new LitClubs with partner LitWorld.  Since 2018, Kenya Connect has issued over 3500 library cards and built our book collection to 10,000.  Engaging children in reading is one of our strategies to strengthen education in Wamunyu.

We also premiered two special "Read Alongs" as part of the celebration.  Students in Kenya, Canada and the U.S. participated in the joint reading of "Sulwe" by Lupita Nygong'o and "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" by William Kwamkamba.  Children, teachers, and our staff read pages of the books which were woven together to tell the story.  This powerful WRAD activity connected our communities in a meaningful way.  It was especially fun for the children in Kenya to see their peers reading together!

As most readers will say, the heart of a literate community is the library.  We are thrilled to share that we officially broke ground for the LRC Annex on Friday, January 29th.  This building will house a proper library that will include reading chairs, study carels, a children's kiddie corner for read alouds and our book collection shelved properly for easy access.  The library will be open to students, teachers and community members. The LRC Annex will also host meeting space for teacher professional development and other workshops, a recording studio, and staff offices. Local and county officials, teachers, students, parents, the architects, and business leaders were part of the festivities. They sang the praises of Kenya Connect reporting that Kenya Connect partner schools have shown the highest student achievement for the subcounty for the last decade.

In addition to sharing our "Lit" news, we want to invite you to a "Virtual Field Trip to Kenya" with our Co-Founder and Executive Director James Musyoka on Thursday, February 25th at 7:00PM (ET). James will share information on the culture, geography, food and traditions of Kenya while also providing a glimpse into the work of Kenya Connect.  Participants will also be able to ask questions and learn about future volunteer opportunities. You can register for this FREE event on eventbrite.

Our work continues to grow because of donors like you. Your support allows us to offer our many literacy, STEM, and empowerment programs. Thank you for being a Reading Super Champion!