Start A Library Trust

Creating strong reading cultures in schools requires more than simply placing books on shelves. Children are more likely to engage with reading when they have access to organized, welcoming, and quiet spaces where they can comfortably interact with books, focus better, and enjoy reading for pleasure.

This is why support from partners like Deloitte continues to make such a meaningful difference in our literacy work.

At James Gichuru Primary School, Deloitte staff volunteers supported the transformation of an underutilized room into a child-friendly library space by helping renovate the room, organize shelves, and code newly donated storybooks to make them more accessible for learners. What was once a space with very few books and little to inspire reading has now become an environment where children can sit comfortably, explore stories freely, and build stronger relationships with books and learning.

The impact of this support goes far beyond the physical transformation of the room. Learners now have access to a calm and organized literacy space intentionally designed to encourage reading engagement, concentration, imagination, and confidence during their foundational learning years.

Partnerships like these remind us that improving literacy outcomes is truly a collective effort. When organizations, donors, and communities invest their time, skills, and resources into creating supportive learning environments, they help open doors to opportunity for children who deserve access to spaces that inspire them to read, learn, and thrive.

We are grateful to Deloitte for walking this journey with us and helping create a literacy space that continues to positively impact learners at James Gichuru Primary School.

If you would like to support library transformations, donate books, sponsor literacy spaces, or volunteer alongside us, we welcome you to be part of this growing literacy movement.

Don't miss this!

From reading books to becoming authors!
Tonight on , we explore how literacy and storytelling empower children through initiatives like Storybook Quest and the National Read Aloud. How do we help kids move beyond reading to creating their own stories?
Tune in at 7PM with .

Tune in tonight!

Our Executive Director, Evelyne Mwandia, will be live on Spice FM’s After Hours Show with Kev Matara discussing Storybook Quest and how learners are discovering their voices through storytelling and becoming young authors.

Join the conversation as they explore the power of reading, creativity, and nurturing the next generation of storytellers.

📻 Spice FM
⏰ 7pm

Evelyne Mwandia Spice FM

When children engage in literacy activities such as spelling bees, they build communication skills, critical thinking, courage and self belief that stretches far beyond the classroom.

Spelling bee month is underway across schools and what is being witnessed goes far beyond competitions. We are seeing classrooms become spaces where curiosity, courage, teamwork and learning are celebrated loudly and proudly.

For schools looking to join this growing community of readers, thinkers and change makers, we invite you to be part of Spelling bee month.

Let's build a generation that reads confidently and imagines beyond limitation

A mother’s love is often the first story a child ever knows. ❤️📖
Today, we celebrate the women who inspire learning, hope, and brighter futures every single day.
Happy Mother’s Day.

We've kicked off the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon campaign to establish a library for learners at Ngungu Primary School.

The goal is to raise KES 1.5 million to create a safe reading and learning space where children can access books, grow their imagination, and unlock opportunities through education.

We are inviting partners, organizations, friends and individuals who believe in education, literacy and community impact to support this mission.

Every contribution brings us closer to putting books in children's hands and changing their lives.

Goal: KES 1,500,000
Marathon Date: 24 May 2026
Campaign:

Donate here: https://lnkd.in/d3Mw_XCU

M-pesa Paybill: 880100
Account Number: 5776710011

Lake Turkana Wind Power

Recently, our volunteer Lorna Okoth facilitated an Imarisha Book Club session at Kongoni Primary School where learners shared insights of books they read during the April holiday. With her guidance, they explored themes, moral lessons, and how these stories connect to their everyday lives.

One discussion sparked a powerful debate motion:
“Do school exa results determine success in the future?”

The room quickly came alive with ideas, confidence, and curiosity. Learners passionately defended their perspectives, challenged one another respectfully, and spoke with remarkable conviction. While one side eventually won the debate, the biggest victory was seeing learners think critically, express themselves boldly, and believe that their voices matter.

Throughout the session, learners openly asked Lorna questions whenever they got stuck and looked up to her with admiration and trust. Her presence reminded us that when adults intentionally step into learning spaces, they help create confidence, courage, and possibility for young people.

Across Kenya, many learners need mentors, role models, and safe spaces where they can read, think, ask questions, and dream bigger. You can help make this possible.

Volunteer with us and become part of a growing community transforming lives through literacy, mentorship, and meaningful conversations.

Send us a DM or email [email protected] to get involved.

Together, we can raise a generation of readers, thinkers, and leaders.

NTV Kenya Room to Read Teach For Kenya

Would you run 42.2km so a child can read their first storybook?

On 24th May, Alice Wathika will be on the start line at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, not for herself, but for Ngungu Primary School in Kirinyaga County.

With 369 curious learners, this school lacks a library. No storybooks. No access to the world that books can open up. This limits their opportunity to fully realize their potential.

Together with Alice, we are working to change this by raising KES 1,500,000 to establish a library for these learners, a space where they can read for pleasure, build confidence, and begin to see possibilities beyond their environment.

This is more than a marathon. It’s a chance to give the children of Ngungu Primary a fair start.

We invite you to join Alice by donating via Paybill: 880100
Account: 5776710011

Or through this link: [https://give-usa.keela.co/start-a-library-donate-page]

If one person can run 42km for these children, the least we can do is show up.

Let’s build this library together.

Lake Turkana Wind Power Sanlam

Today, we celebrate the people who make learning possible every single day.

To the teachers shaping young minds, the school communities creating safe spaces for growth, the donors believing in the power of literacy, and the reading ambassadors inspiring children to fall in love with books, thank you.

Your work may not always make headlines, but its impact is written in every child who learns to read, dream, and believe in their future.

Happy Labour Day from all of us at Start A Library Trust. Together, we are building a more literate and empowered generation.