Our Kenyan literacy partner Start A Library Trust sent this inspiring report that we had to share! The Nobelity Project is proud to be one of their 300 Library Launches. We are also excited to learn the National Read Aloud results this week on Thursday August 22, 2024 - tune into Facebook for stats. In the meantime, check out our collaborative progress with Kiserian Primary!
LIBRARY NO. 294 LAUNCH REPORT |
On Friday, 9th February 2024, Kiserian Primary School, located in Kiserian Constituency, Kajiado County, celebrated a significant achievement in its journey. Situated within a community largely comprised of low-income families reliant on low-wage jobs, where education often takes a backseat, the school reached a remarkable milestone: acquiring a comprehensive educational library, a first in its history.
In this community, where most parents are illiterate and are preoccupied with various other responsibilities, the school emerges as a vital institution. It serves as a critical stepping stone for young boys and girls, allowing them to gain essential literacy and life skills. Beyond mere academic instruction, the school plays a pivotal role in fostering skill development and facilitating personal growth among its students. The establishment of this fully stocked library not only addresses the longstanding issue of limited access to reading materials but also catalyses the learners' journey toward optimism as they eagerly pursue their dreams.
Background and challenges
Kiserian Primary School, a government-funded institution, serves a population of 2,884 learners spanning from Early Childhood Education to Grade 8, comprising 1,472 boys and 1,412 girls. The school experiences high enrolment, with a notable majority of boys attending, reflecting prevailing gender disparities in the region. Despite this, learners encounter significant difficulties in mastering fundamental skills such as reading, writing, and comprehension in English and Kiswahili, as expected by the curriculum. This challenge predominantly stems from a lack of age-appropriate reading materials. The disparities in reading skills contribute to educational inequalities that hinder the holistic learning process. Additionally, learners confront societal adversities, including drug and substance abuse, early pregnancies, premature marriages, and dropout rates.
The provision of relevant, age-appropriate reading materials holds the potential to address these multifaceted challenges. By equipping learners with essential literacy and life skills, they become better equipped to navigate the complexities of their environment and overcome prevalent societal obstacles.
Library Launch
On Friday, February 9th, 2024, Kiserian Primary School took a significant stride towards promoting equal educational opportunities with the inauguration of a library furnished with 1,000 storybooks in English and Kiswahili. This momentous occasion was made possible through the generous support of our esteemed partners, Giants Group of Nairobi Twiga & Vanik Vaishnav Mahajan, in memory of KUNDANBHAI P. DOSHI, and The Nobelity Project. Each storybook stands as a symbol of change toward shaping the learners' future. The ceremony witnessed the enthusiastic participation of learners, teachers, and community members.
Engaging performances by the learners filled the school grounds with exuberance, laughter, and melodic songs resonating through the dusty Kajiado. More than a mere book donation, the launch embodied a celebration of hope, a dedication to nurturing literacy, a tool for empowering learners to unlock their full potential, and the commencement of an enduring partnership with the school.This momentous occasion heralds a new era
for the school and its students, ushering in a realm of boundless opportunities. With each page turned and each keystroke made, these children are not only learning to read but also to dream, to think critically, and to carve a path towards a future filled with success.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Giants Group of Nairobi Twiga & Vanik Vaishnav Mahajan and The Nobelity Project for their generous sponsorship in establishing the library at Kiserian Primary School. We deeply appreciate your unwavering commitment to advancing quality education for all. This library is one of many more to come.
We eagerly anticipate sharing progress reports highlighting the library's positive impact on both our learners and the wider community.
Photo Gallery - Photos and videos of the Kiserian Primary School Library launch
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