In Kenya, over 70% of children leave lower primary school without achieving minimum reading proficiency. This gap means that many struggle to grasp core subjects, develop critical thinking, or acquire key life competencies such as creativity, communication, and citizenship.
At Start A Library Trust (SAL), we believe literacy is not just a learning outcome, but a gateway to agency, opportunity, and dignity. Libraries and a vibrant reading culture are key to closing this learning poverty gap. SAL is a Kenya-based social-impact organization, and with a fiscal sponsor, The Nobelity Project in the USA, advancing foundational literacy, life skills, and learning equity for children aged 4–15 in underserved public primary schools across Kenya.
For over 12 years, we’ve worked to make this a reality by building a strong reading culture through our multifaceted approach that entails establishing vibrant libraries, training school communities, running engaging literacy programs, and advocating for equitable literacy policies.
Since its inception, we have established 312 school libraries within 24 counties, distributed thousands of storybooks, and reached over half a million children, nurturing readers, building confidence, and cultivating critical thinkers who can meaningfully participate in society.
The results have been nothing short of transformative:
- Learners have discovered the joy of reading and improved literacy skills. “I never thought I could finish a whole book; now I’ve read ten!” – Amina, Grade 5.
- Teachers have seen classrooms come alive. “Our reading culture has changed. Children can now read aloud confidently.” – Mr. Muoki, Teacher.
- Parents have witnessed brighter futures. “My child now teaches me new words in English; I feel proud.” – Grace, Parent.
However, some of our earliest libraries, the very ones that started this change, are running out of stories. The shelves are still standing, but the books are old, torn, and too few to keep the magic alive. Without fresh, engaging titles, children’s curiosity and confidence will fade, and the ripple effect we’ve built will slow.
That’s why we’ve launched Refresh the Shelves, a campaign to revive 20 of our old libraries, established in 2020 and before, in time for International Literacy Week celebrations, from 8th to 12th September.
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1st OIAA One In An ARMY $14,433.70 raised 479 donations
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