Children facing books shortage in Laikipia county have a reasob to smile after a non-governmental organisation opened the largest free library in Majengo, Nanyuki town.
The multimillion project is funded by AMG Foundation, through its “Empower Future Lives” initiative focusing on boosting access to books and unlocking academic potential of children living in slum areas.
With a sitting capacity of 200 persons, the facility is stocked with Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) syllabus books among others to helps boost education status in the country.
Speaking when he launched the project, AMG Chief Executive Officer Martin Githinji said they have over 5,000 books accessible for free.
He added that the resources will help bridge educational gaps, particularly for families in underserved communities who are unable to afford the CBC curriculum resources.
This is the fourth library to be opened in the country with the spaces offering over 10,000 free textbooks, computers and learning tablets connected to the internet.
This new facility follows three other successful launches in Kibera in Nairobi county as well as Kagunduini, and Githumu in Muranga County.
“This is the result of the September campaign, “A Plot for You, A Library for Them,” which aimed to support provision of educational resources in the community. For every Ksh100,000 invested, 12 books were purchased, and for every Ksh 500,000 invested, a computer was acquired,” said Githinji.
He noted through these initiatives, AMG Foundation is affirming its commitment to Global Goal number four on Quality Education that seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education.
The chairman, Andrew Gitau also said they aim at empower the needy child who have limited access to learning materials and environment.
“Knowledge is what unites and equalizes all of us regretless of social and economical status. That is why we are coming directly to the community to ensure they have access to knowledge and technology for free,” he added.
Speaking further the chairman added libraries established by AMG Foundation are strategically located in shopping centers rather than schools, ensuring accessibility for everyone, not just students with access to school libraries.
“We understand that knowledge is what equalizes all people. If you come from a poor family or a wealthy family, knowledge is what unites or equalizes everything,” said AMG Foundation Chairman Andrew Gitau.
He added that the CBC has increaed the burden on parents and adding that they are supplementing what the government is doing to fully implement the new education system.
Laikipia County Governor Joseph Irungu said most school going children in the area always lack the opportunity to get access to books and library services.
