By Sharon Runge and James Musyoka | Executive Director and Field Director
"We are beginning Library Day at Wamunyu ABC School" shared Mrs. Celina Muendo, Head Teacher. Celina is thrilled that Kenya Connect launched the first ever library card program in Wamunyu with 175 books being checked out at her school last week. In an effort to help build a culture of reading, increased reading fluency and comprehension, and the joy, wonder and knowledge of books, schools like Wamunyu ABC are embracing the opportunity to have library books brought to their school. Celina reported that each Library Day students will read from their library books and share the stories that they read with each other. This new Kenya Connect program is made possible because of donors like you! Just imagine children in rural Kenya leafing through the pages of a beautiful picture book for the first time or learning about the inaugural rocket launch from an information book. In the coming weeks, more library cards and books will be delivered to additional Kenya Connect schools so stay tuned for the update!
Last year the Kenyan government issued computer tablets to primary schools with content for first and second graders. Although this is a wonderful step forward, many of the teachers did not know how to use this technology and the tablets remained locked in school closets. As we visited schools and talked with head teachers, we learned there was a monumental need for training. This past week we offered the first day of a three day training session by KC's technology specialist, Patrick Munguti and Mr. Douglas Matolo (a trainer on information technology and a tutor at Machakos Teachers college) for 38 teachers. We plan to conduct six training sessions with at least four teachers from each of our partner schools trained eventuality resulting to a total of 216 teachers trained.
'Tablets training will open up teachers capacity to integrate ICT in teaching and Learining. Teachers will be able to use digital literacy program in content delivery to students making learning more enjoyable." Patrick Munguti Technology Edycation specialist.
This essential training supports teachers-- many who have never used computers before--- to utilize this 21st century technology in their classrooms. As the country of Kenya is expanding the use of technology, we are continuing to develop ways to provide these valuable resources to teachers and students in our rural community.
One of our goals at Kenya Connect is to help keep students healthy and in school. One of the most cost effective ways to do so is through deworming coupled with hand washing and health and hygiene lessons. Over the last two weeks, 5999 students at 28 schools were provided deworming medications. "My students health has improved tremendously due to the continuous deworming exercises. I have also noticed improved school attendance among the children." Mr. Benjamin Mwilu - Kambiti Primary School. Prior to administering the deworming pill, students learn about the importance and effectiveness of hand washing and the best practices to do so. Kenya Connect has installed hand washing stations at all 55 partner schools and our health clubs continue to make liquid soap.
All of our work to empower and engage students and teachers would not be possible without donors like you! Your support has been essential to our many accomplishments and are making a difference in the lives of students and their families in Wamunyu. We will continue to update you throughout the year with these project reports. We also invite you to follow us on facebook and instagram to see the daily miracles happening in Wamunyu.
Thank you for helping to make the launch of 2018 so exciting!
By Sharon Runge and James Musyoka | Executive Director and Field Director
By James Musyoka | Co-Founder and Director of Operations
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