2019 Trip Blog #12 by Kathy Mutch
We visited 5 schools on Mageta Island-4 primary and 1 secondary, and 1 primary in Bondo. We asked about books and libraries. You can imagine our dismay to learn that the only books the children get in school are the curriculum workbooks provided by the government. NO READING BOOKS. No opportunity for worlds to open, for ideas to be challenged, for imaginations to grow.
“A house without books is like a room without windows.” – Heinrich Mann
We met so many children, children with different aptitudes – some struggling to attend school while caring for family at home, some trying to get enough to eat, some very bright students – their eyes brimming with a thirst for knowledge, some disabled physically or with learning needs, but all with untapped potential.
To learn that something we take for granted – access to books is not theirs brings tears to my eyes and a fire in my heart. How can anyone reach their full potential if books are not part of their lives?
“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope.” – Kofi Annan
Please join with me as we figure out the best way to get books to these children. Will we raise money to buy books in Kenya, or accept donations of books and the money required to get them to Kenya? I don’t know yet, but somehow we must get books to these children.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” –Dr. Seuss
