Community Library

The Challenge

Many children in Kibera return from school to a 10 ft by 10 ft one-roomed home with no schoolbooks, no desk to work at, poor lighting and noise and distractions from other family members. Completing their homework or doing revision in this environment is incredibly difficult. Many of the small schools in Kibera are unable to provide enough textbooks and don’t provide any further reading material. There is no option for children to research a topic that interests them further. There is no opportunity to develop their literacy and imagination by sitting down with a storybook.

Our Approach

The Community Library provides a quiet well-lit space and access to learning resources to primary school children in Kibera. Children can also get help with their reading, revision and homework. The library aims to support the improvement of literacy and learning outcomes in primary school students in Kibera and create a reading culture in the community.

Impact

Matasia is 13 years old and in her final year of primary school at a non-formal school in Kibera. He uses the Turning Point Community Library regularly to do homework and read stories. She loves the wonder of science and his favourite book, “You are here” by Christopher Potter, is all about the history of our universe. Matasia says, “When I am at home, I have a lot of chores to do, and I am often sent by my mum to fetch water or go to the shop. Also, it is very dark in our house, even during the day”. The community library is making a big difference to Matasia who says, “I’m improving my reading skills when I read the storybooks”.