Our Reading Spaces is undertaking three projects to “Empower Africa through Reading.” These projects include:
Expansion of our Visually Impaired Computer Lab
Create a mobile and satellite libraries in and around Kairi Village
Construct a Library/Community Resource Center in Kairi Village
The status and plans for each of these projects is described below.
PROJECT I Expansion of our Visually Impaired Computer Lab
We are in the process of expanding our visually impaired computer lab to accommodate 290 students, 34 teachers, and the first group of 45 visually impaired adults living in Thika. The initial phase of the project included the installation of 15 computers at the computer lab. However, our long-term goal is to establish a computer lab with a minimum of 40 computers and provide each child with a laptop.
The initial 15 computers were funded by individual donors. We are now working diligently to raise funds to purchase an additional 25 computers, printers, UPS batteries, computer desks, and other various expenses associated with the project. The visually impaired students and adults are receiving basic computer training. The teachers can use word and excel to record student information and avoid using Braille paper that is expensive and not readily available. They will also have access to the internet opening up a world of resources.
In partnership with Bookshare, the visually impaired students and teachers now have access to more than 7000 books online. The books are accessed in hard copy or digital Braille format, read in large font or listened to using text to speech software.
Your assistance is needed to accomplish this goal.
PROJECT II Establish a mobile library service and three satellite libraries
This project enables us to begin putting books into the hands of the people of Kenya right away. To accomplish this task, we plan to ship over 22,000 to set up satellite locations in Kenya through the auspices of Books for Africa. We have coordinated with resources on the ground in Kenya, who are preparing to receive the books and make them available to people in the following locations. Read more
The shipment of 22,000 books will enable ORS to:
Create a mobile library service for 6 Kairi village schools
Create a library for Rachel Dep Children's orphanage
Create a library for Thika School for the Visually Impaired Primary 270 students
Create a library for Thika School for the Visually Impaired Secondary 273 students
Braille books were donated by US organizations, including the Braille Institute in California and the Georgia Academy for the Blind.
PROJECT III Construct a Library/Community Resource Center in Kairi Village
The third project entails the construction of an eco-friendly library/community resource center in the Kairi Village. Although construction has not yet commenced, the Kairi Village donated a piece of land to Our Reading Spaces, where the facility will be built. ORS will utilize local volunteers and Kenya National Library Services to staff the library. The need for a library in this community is great, considering the nearest comparable facility is 12 miles away. This distance may not seem far for those with viable modes of transportation, but to an individual walking on foot, a trip to the library is a day’s journey.
Approximately 4,500 children will have access to the center. Tutors will be present to assist students with their homework as well as lead educational games and programs. In addition to the services provided on site, those visiting the center will have access to the internet, a world of new resources and educational opportunities.
Our Reading Spaces encourages education that helps increase family stability as both children and adults will use the library centers to learn strategies and curricula that will help them build their skills and confidence to achieve better livelihoods. Together we can make a positive contribution towards eliminating illiteracy and poverty in rural Kenya.
