A lending library for Kuria 2014
During our visit to Kuria, following our long discussions with Mathias and other interested parties, the importance of library provision came to dominate. Some years ago, Mathias established a textbook loan system for our students, supplying texts for the main subjects for years 2, 3 and 4. These books are passed on to following students at the Get-Together Party in April each year. This was - and is - a priority given the poor to non-existent provision through the libraries in local schools. But education is not only found in textbooks. We fervently believe that wide reading, is crucial for good standards of literacy. More, novels give access to forms of knowledge and human understanding that expand the imaginative possibilities for their readers.
So, this year, Pippa and I each took a suitcase of novels to Kuria and they were enthusiastically received. They consisted of a set of African novels, English classics, both old and new, and a selection of more recent best sellers, together with a few early reading books. As a first step, Mathias will put up shelves in his small office in Kehancha and will loan books to our students at his Get-Together Party.
While we were in Kuria, it soon became apparent that there was considerable enthusiasm for a real library among the population more generally. We thus began to think of establishing a District Reading Library. If we achieve this, it will be a first in Kenya! Unfortunately, the old provision of libraries through the British Council has long since declined. To develop such a Library is of course a considerable ambition and one for which we will need help from other charities and NGOs.
Major steps along this path will be reported on this page. Meanwhile, Pippa and i would like to thank our friends and neighbours who contributed to our book collection.
Further queries can be sent to me at suzetteheald@yahoo.com
So, this year, Pippa and I each took a suitcase of novels to Kuria and they were enthusiastically received. They consisted of a set of African novels, English classics, both old and new, and a selection of more recent best sellers, together with a few early reading books. As a first step, Mathias will put up shelves in his small office in Kehancha and will loan books to our students at his Get-Together Party.
While we were in Kuria, it soon became apparent that there was considerable enthusiasm for a real library among the population more generally. We thus began to think of establishing a District Reading Library. If we achieve this, it will be a first in Kenya! Unfortunately, the old provision of libraries through the British Council has long since declined. To develop such a Library is of course a considerable ambition and one for which we will need help from other charities and NGOs.
Major steps along this path will be reported on this page. Meanwhile, Pippa and i would like to thank our friends and neighbours who contributed to our book collection.
Further queries can be sent to me at suzetteheald@yahoo.com