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June 2010 update: We are thrilled to have Little Hands, Big Steps up and running in Kawangware! Fifteen families showed up for the launch, though we only had books for 10. So this brand-new program already has a waiting list. This is a testament to the excitement that caregivers feel about the program, which enables them to fulfill their role as children's very first and most important teachers. Thank you again to Holy Trinity Church in South Wimbledon, UK, which has provided the funding that is allowing us to expand Little Hands, Big Steps to all of our centers. |
Decorating bookbags for LHBS |
The Kawangware library is now housed in a bright and spacious room on the ground floor of the Dagoretti Empowerment Centre (DEC). Kawangware is one of the seven poorest areas to be found in Nairobi, Kenya. The Kawangware community lives in a different world - especially in this era of information technology. Lack of general information and education contributes to persistent poverty. There is a high birth rate and the area is home to many thousands of children.
Most adult residents do know how to read and write, but they lack access to information and training that would allow them to work towards a better future. The library and information centre is helping every age group in this community access important information through reading, watching videos or DVDs, and hearing from visiting experts.
The Kawangware library has faced some stiff challenges since opening in January 2008, but survived. Most recently, our original community partners, Work for Food (WFF), were unable to find sustainability for the centre after Safaricom funding finished in January 2009. Thankfully, Dagoretti Empowerment Centre (DEC) DEC stepped in to help. The library has benefitted from support from Braeburn school, which has hosted a book club including Braeburn and Kawangware students, and which donated 12 boxes of books when the centre opened.
The centre offers local children an alternative to roaming the streets during their hours and days out of school. While some buildings in Kawangware do have electricity, most do not. Families usually make their homes in a single shared room for parents and children to live, eat, sleep. The houses don't provide space for study or reading; their library becomes a home to obtain knowledge. The library offers a special place for events such as talks on health, child abuse and children's rights, employment skills, story telling and other topics.
The centre stocks books donated from around the world by generous supporters of Kidslibs Trust. Many came from the UK (Loughborough Rotary Club, Bakewell Rotary Club, Dorset School Library Service, Cumbria Library Service, Jersey Library Service, and a school in Leeds), and transported to Kenya by the British High Commission, Toyota East Africa and DHL.
We also received a large collection of medical books from AMREF. Thank you everyone!!! Our stock on opening was just over 3000 items. The Safaricom Foundation sponsored the centre for its first two years. This includes rent for the room, and staffing for the period, as well as the initial refurbishment of the room.
Membership: 2,813
