Empower, Engage, Educate in Rural Kenya!

“This is the first time anyone has read us a story!” shared one of the mothers at a Literacy mobilization meeting. Librarian Esther Muinde has been holding parent literacy meetings at our partner schools to excite them about the importance of reading for academic achievement, future careers and for the joy of hearing a story. However, as she is conducting these meetings, many of the parents are sharing how much they love the read aloud story. Seeing a colorful picture book and hearing the story is something new for many of our parents. They laughed at certain parts and talked about the story when Esther concluded reading. Many of these parents never had storybooks growing up, so hearing Esther enthusiastically read is a new experience for them.

At the same time, the toddlers present look at colorful board books. For most of these kids, it is the first time they are holding a book and they explore by turning pages and looking at the pictures. One of our key foundational work is literacy. We know that if a child can read, they have more options in life. We also know that full fluency and comprehension takes practice and that children need to have access to books on a regular basis. That is why our mobile library program that provides books for check out is a game changer. Helping parents to understand the importance of reading gives them additional support, especially when parents ask their children to read a story to them. Over the last several months,

Esther and her library team have met with over 230 parents at four partner schools. We are able to bring the joy, wonder, and knowledge of reading to students and parents in our rural community because of donors like you. Thank you for being a reading champion. Your support helps us build our collection, provide tools and transportation for our staff to travel to schools and to provide library cards.

We continue to strive to be the #VillageThatReads. The next time you pick up a book, think about our parents and students who now have access to books thanks to you!