We're Excited! LRC Annex and Maker Space!

The Library Learning Center is officially OPEN! Three hundred guests gathered at the Library Learning Center for the Gala Celebration on June 23. Distinguished guests including Vice Chancellor Professor Geoffrey Muluvi of Southeastern Kenya University, Christopher Machin, Cultural Affairs Officer U.S. Embassy, Steven Kilonzo, Chief of Staff for the Deputy Governor, Cindy Dyer, US Board Chair, Benedict Nganga, Kenyan Board Chair, and Tina Thyaka, Kenya Board member. Head teachers, community members and other partners spoke too (see attached program) with Executive Directors James Musyoka and Sharon Runge sharing reflections and deep appreciation to the hundreds of donors for the project.

LitClub students from Ngangani recited poems and LitMoms performed joyful traditional dance. Following the Gala speeches, the ribbon was cut by Vice Chancellor Muluvi, Christopher Machin and James Musyoka and the doors were officially opened to the LLC! The guests toured the building and saw the beautiful murals, colorful and child-friendly library, and the Maker Space filled with sewing machines and supplies. They saw inspirational quotes including, At the moment that we persuade a child, any child, to cross that threshold, that magic threshold into a library, we change their lives forever, for the better. It’s an enormous force for good." By President Barack Obama and "No matter where you're from, your dreams are valid” by Lupita Nyong'o. These quotes and others on the walls of the building are encouraging students and community members to dream big. The guests also were inspired seeing the STEPS to READING that were donated by individuals, schools and a publisher.

People marveled at the robust library collection and one 78 year-old guest said that he would return to get his first library card! 

Wendy Bakers, a baker in Nairobi who grew up in Wamunyu, made a special cake in the shape of the Library Learning Center. Board member Jackie Crispell, the Vice Chancellor and architect Jospehine Mwinyi cut the cake which was shared with everyone. A traditional lunch was served with goat, chicken, chapati and other wonderful dishes.

We are grateful to all the donors and supporters of the project.  The Library Learning Center is a true gift to the community, especially the students and teachers in Wamunyu.

Some terrific updates!

• The Library Learning Center (LLC) passed the building inspection.  The contractor is fixing a few things on the "punch list", but preparations are underway for furnishing and setting up the space!
• Solar was installed this week!

We are thrilled that our second building will also be powered by the sun. Being energy independent means that our programs continue, even when the power grid in Wamunyu is disrupted.This bank of solar panels will power all operations in the new building.  We are hooked to the grid in case of malfunction, but we are excited to be using clean energy most of the time. The solar panels were partially funded by a grant from St. John's Episcopal Church's Matthew 25 fund and the remainder from generous donors like you. 

Since the LLC has passed inspection, furniture is being set up in the new spaces.  Specially made bookcases for our library have been built by local craftsmen. They were designed with a display space so children can see different books highlighted. We have also crafted benches that will be placed alongside the wall so parents and students can read in the library while others will sit in study carrels to do work. Having the bookshelves are especially timely since we received 20,000 books from Books for Africa at the end of March bringing our total collection to 30,000!

The building of the Library Learning Center has brought jobs to our community. As much as possible, locally craftspeople were hired to construct the building. During these final stages, local woodworkers and other artisans are building furniture, painting quotes, and assisting with landscaping.

We couldn't do this project without generous donors like you. Our staff, partner teachers and students, and the community are excited about new opportunities for learning in the library, maker space, meeting space, and sound studio. Thank you for helping to make our dreams come true!