Maktabas consists of volunteers who collect, sort and ship unwanted library books from the USA to Kenya. The typical number of hours volunteered per month is 30. Maktabas was created after one of our volunteers was approached by teachers who pleaded for books for rural schools which cater to 80% of Kenya's children. Maktabas has shipped three 20-foot containers of books which have been distributed to 22 schools. Prior to this, children had no access to books. There remains a huge need for books
Rural schools have no access to books due to limited public funding. 80% of Kenya school children attend these rural public schools. Majority of rural families live on $3 a day. Their meager income is for food, clothing and other needs. Library books are not a priority. Majority of the school children have no access to books and have never owned their own book. There is no reading culture. Many public libraries in the USA are getting rid of library books, including disposing of them as garbage.
Maktabas is already helping the solve the problem by bringing library books to these rural schools. In many of the locations, Maktabas is building basic library facilities, where the children have access to books, for at least a half hour per class each day. Reports received from teachers state that the school children's reading ability has improved, test results in all subject areas have shown marked positive change, and that the children, want to go to school to read even on Saturdays!
The long term effect is priceless and a lasting legacy to each of the schools served. The children have reported experiencing a broadening of the minds thereby opening them to dream bigger, and to be open to possibilities. Community leaders have expressed the fulfillment of their dreams to have valuable, life - changing resources in their communities which are accessible to all. The rural schools staff expressed gratitude for the books in improving the students overall outcomes.
