How it all began.
“….with a little help from my friends” These music lyrics reflect Kenya Connect’s work: our Library Card and Library Days program launched thanks to our friends. Since 2012, countless volunteers have assisted in the development of our collection, carried books to Kenya, donated books, selected a book catalog and check out system, implemented brilliant reading workshops, and operationalized the distribution of library cards and book days all to help us create literacy programs for parents and the greater Wamunyu community.
We are grateful for these volunteers in bringing the joy, wonder, and power of books to more than 17,000 students.
In 2012 Kenya Connect built the solar-powered Learning Resource Center (LRC) that house 28 computers and a small library. The library collection has grown from 100 books to over 5,000 books. Initially, we encouraged teachers and secondary students who are part of our The School Fund and ACCESS programs to borrow books. However, we realized that many students were not being reached. As a result, and thanks to a grant from St. John’s Parish Day School, Kenya Connect launched the first-ever Library Card Program in January 2018.
We are grateful for these volunteers in bringing the joy, wonder, and power of books to more than 17,000 students.
In 2012 Kenya Connect built the solar-powered Learning Resource Center (LRC) that house 28 computers and a small library. The library collection has grown from 100 books to over 5,000 books. Initially, we encouraged teachers and secondary students who are part of our The School Fund and ACCESS programs to borrow books. However, we realized that many students were not being reached. As a result, and thanks to a grant from St. John’s Parish Day School, Kenya Connect launched the first-ever Library Card Program in January 2018.
How it works
Below you'll find a step by step explanation of how the Library Card Program works, the efforts we've put into its success, and our strong hope in its continual growth.
1. Building Relationships
Kenya Connect partners with 44 primary and 11 secondary schools in the Mwala sub county in Machakos County supporting 17,000 students and 500 teachers. Since 2002, these partnerships have helped break down barriers to education.
Parents are encouraged to enroll their child by completing a form and paying $1.00. Once the form is received, the staff takes a photo of the child and creates the library card. We've found it is important for parents to be involved and informed about our programs and how it will benefit their children. |
2. Issuing Library Cards
Once the logistics are set and the student is officially enrolled in the Library Card program, Kenya Connect Staff take an ID photo for their card and enter their ID into our database. Individual library cards create a tangible, meaningful item that is difficult to lose.
At Kenya Connect, we 'award' students with their library cards, similar to a medal, because receiving a card is both a privilege and an accomplishment for our students. |
3. Library Day
The Kenya Connect library team brings books to schools every other week so students can get new books. The books are divided according to age groups and the children are given an opportunity to borrow two books at a time.
Kenya Connect has enrolled in Library World a web-based catalog system, and we barcode all books in our collection along with the distributed library cards. On Library Days, students select books during their lunch hour or during recess time after the end of the days’ |
4. Parent Involvement
Parents are key to encourage and support student reading. When Kenya Connect introduces the Library Card program at partner schools we invite parents to come learn about the program. We explain the importance of reading and how studies show it is instrumental for academic achievement and success. Parents are then invited to enroll their children in the program.
In addition, we have been working with small groups of parents to teach them about reading. We read a story and then explain best practices to nurture healthy reading habits. These sessions are interactive and encourage parents, even those who are illiterate, to take an interest in their children reading. We are working on expanding this program to more parents and educators in the community. |
Support Programs
In April 2018, Kenya Connect held its first Book Day to nurture a culture of reading during the students' school break. Over 140 primary students participated in the Secondary School led programs. Poetry, kinesthetic sculptures, vocabulary building, read-aloud stories, and e-books were celebrated during the day-long program. Book Days will continue to be held during school breaks to help our community become #TheVillageThatReads