Over 500 learners in Mathare slum celebrate Day of the African Child

"In 2021 we got into partnership with The Standard and Kenya Writers Guild in order to promote a reading culture through distribution of books in Naivas outlets." Jecinta Wainaina, Naivas Marketing Manager said.

A Kenya Writers Path was formed to enable Kenyan authors publicise and market their work by stocking their books at Naivas outlets.

Wainaina acknowledged The Standard Groups support through the Newspaper In Education (NIE) programme.

NIE is a special publication that features in The Standard Newspaper every Tuesday providing learners with the opportunity to improve their reading and writing skills and expose them to relevant educative topics.

Christine Mucheke of The Standard's NIE hailed the programme which she said has made remarkable strides to sharpen learner's literacy skills across the country.

"We are excited about the programme as it helps learners pick a reading habit at an early age. It is tailored to suit learners and encourage them to read," she said.

Writers Guild-Kenya Chief Executive Gabriel Dinda said he believes the greatest gift to give children is the power to read.

Located in the heart of Mathare slums, Maji Mazuri hosts more than 500 students.

The school headteacher Wickliffe Atira said the children are largely from poor backgrounds.

"We offer a feeding programme to cushion our learners, who occasionally miss meals at home. We request for well-wishers' support as we continue to give these children the best we can," Atira said.

International Day of the African Child is celebrated as an honour to thousands of South African kids who led the Soweto Uprising revolution on June 16, 1976.

They were demanding their right to quality education. This day is marked every year to raise awareness of the provision of quality education to African Children.