With USAID's support, Gatunga village in Tharaka Nithi opens Sh58 million community library

Gatunga village in Tharaka Nithi County on Monday celebrated as it opened its first-of-a-kind community library and ICT resource centre.

The modern facility was supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to the tune of $450,000 an equivalent of Sh58 million.

The project is a partnership between USAID and the Tharaka Nithi County government and is expected to benefit over 10,000 community members in promoting literacy and science, technology and innovation education.

USAID Kenya and East Africa Mission Director David Gosney said the library opens doors for children and young people to dive into digital technology and ICT, helping them build the necessary skills to explore well-paid, future careers.

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“The project builds on a successful partnership between USAID’s Our Sisters Read program and Tharaka University, where students gain experience through internships. This collaboration will only grow stronger with more student internships and the use of digital resources available right here at the library,” said Gosney.

He said the United States values its partnership with the Kenyan government and people and the library exemplifies the longstanding collaboration with the Ministry of Education to ensure every Kenyan has access to a quality education.

The project is part of USAID’s American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) initiative which focuses on the construction of equipped community libraries and ICT centres.

The facility is fitted with furniture, computers, books, a library information management system, and full-time Wi-Fi connectivity.

Through its ‘Our Sisters Read’, the five-year program aims to leverage the library and ICT centre to increase access to quality reading materials and increase digital literacy skills among students and community members.

The program is already working in 63 schools providing targeted support for struggling readers and providing adult literacy and numeracy classes for mothers and women caregivers in Tharaka Nithi County.

“Our Sisters Read has expanded access to books and technology through the newly constructed library and primary school-based libraries. The program has mobilised community members including parents, educators, youth, local government officials, and village leaders to build support for literacy and education. These interventions are designed to improve early-grade reading outcomes in Tharaka Nithi through sustained interest, motivation, and support for early-grade reading and digital literacy,” said Gosney.

His sentiments were echoed by Governor Muthomi Njuki who said the facility establishes an altar through which schools within Tharaka Nithi North will explore the world and enhance literacy skills.

“We have given our children the space to utilize reading as a remedy that supplements daily lessons. This great library will provide learning materials for the young and elderly in Gatunga Ward; through it, we have rewritten history with the widespread promotion of e-learning,” said Njuki.

The governor said as part of his administration's duty to support education and vocational training, his administration will continue to support the facility through various interventions.

This includes providing salaries for full-time personnel who will ensure the facility is in operation including a security guard to ensure safety.

The library he said is not only a beacon of hope and sanctuary of knowledge but a vibrant hub that will play a vital role in discovering the joy of learning for beneficiaries to tell personal resilience stories.

Education PS Belio Kipsang in a written statement said the facility will be key in offering quality learning in and out of school.

“The role of community libraries cannot be underestimated especially concerning communication, digital literacy and long-life learning. They must be redesigned with both curriculum textbooks and materials that promote creativity, especially in low-resource settings,” said Kipsang.

The PS also said in line with the CBC model of curriculum, such facilities must be supported with adequate ICT infrastructure to cater for all needs.

Photos by Patrick Vidija