By Sharon Runge and James Musyoka | Executive Directors
Have you read a good book lately? Kenya Connect library card holders sure have! Our Magic School Bus and Reading Rover Truck have been visiting schools every other week bringing boxes loaded with books for check out. As the students see the bus pull in, they cheer with excitement when it's their turn to return the books they have borrowed and to gather new ones. Jackline, a student from Kaliambeau commented, "my favorite story books from the Kenya Connect library are the Magic Tree House stories. I also like doing STEM lessons and reading science subjects." Our collection includes a range of books including early readers, chapter books, picture books, young adult fiction and knowledge based books for all levels in Kiswahili and English! We have also included Kenyan curriculum revision books so students can continue their studies at home.
As we analyzed our students KCPE scores from the Primary School National exams, we saw a correlation of higher scores for students at our partner schools who participate in our library days program. We also saw that students who are part of our four Empowered Schools that include LitClubs, LevelUp Village classes, the Library Program and teacher professional development scored on average of 303 vs. students at other partner schools with an average of 268. This continues a trend of seeing improved scores at schools that fully participate in our programs.
We are also beyond thrilled to announce that Edith, one of our The School Fund students was the top 10th scorer for the National Secondary School exam NATION WIDE! In addition to receiving funding from KC's The School Fund program, Edith borrows books from our library, has participated in our mentor program and has received tutoring during school breaks. She is currently in the process of applying to university and serving as an intern with Kenya Connect.
These students are achieving because of donors like you who make our work possible. Thanks to donations on GlobalGiving, we have expanded our library program to 25 of our partner schools. Your donation helps us purchase Kenyan authored and published books in English and Kiswahili. These books are among our students' favorites.
As Dr. Seuss said, "The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."
Thank you for helping provide the joy, wonder and knowledge of books and for paving the way for a lifetime of reading.
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