Teach 75 mothers to read stories to kids in Kenya

Dear Friends of Maria’s Libraries,

Thanks so much for your support in the last few months of the Mama Mtoto Storytime project.  We’ve got a lot to report!

First, our fundraising campaign in December was our most successful to date.  Thanks to all of you who supported us.  We’ve raised $5,482 towards our goal of $13,000, enough to start the project as we continue our fundraising efforts.

In early January, Eva took 4 Columbia University undergraduates to Kenya to work on projects related to Maria’s Libraries.  As ever, it was great to visit the library in Busia (in its current rented space).  There are more and more people using it every time we go!

Two of the students, Paloma Frumento and Karen Woodin-Rodriguez, spent the two weeks in Kenya interviewing potential users of the library in Busia, and working with librarians to understand how people use libraries.  They are currently developing training manuals based on what they’ve found, including a section on lessons learned for literacy programs.

We also met with Story Moja, the publisher who is supplying the books.  As ever, their efforts are inspiring, including their current work, trying to start a “reading revolution” in Kenya. 

Finally, along with Jennie Glassco from Africa Soma, we met with Sheila Weir from the US embassy to discuss the Mama Mtoto Story time project.  We’re thrilled to report the embassy will be funding all of the librarians in our network to come to Nairobi and spend three days discussing librarianship, including a section on Mama Mtoto. 

That’s our news for now.  Expect another project report in a few months.

All the best,

Eva and Ariel

Maria’s Libraries

Links:

• Maria's Libraries