top of page
LibraryAfterOpening.JPG

Aitong Primary School Library & Learning Center

Maasai Mara Public Schools Initiative

Public schools should have the same resources as privileged private schools, but in many places, that dream could not be further from reality. In the Maasai Mara, we develop libraries and other resources at public schools most in need. We work closely with teachers to determine what's needed — with high standards of quality and relevance — and then purchase everything in Kenya through our partner Text Book Centre in Nairobi. We also run workshops to train teachers and students to maintain the resource and to create programs that will inspire the next generation to read, learn, and grow; and we hold follow-up assessments to gauge impact and see where the resource can be improved.

As of February 2023

Aitong Primary: Library/Learning Center

Enturoto Primary: Library/Learning Center

Maasai Mara Secondary: Library & Science Labs

Talek Primary: Library/Learning Center

Olemoncho Primary: Latrines

Mara Girls Leadership: Library, Laptops & General Support

WomenShuka.jpg
Talek Library

Primary Schools

Aitong Primary

We renovated a neglected building in the center of Aitong Primary's campus and converted it to a beautiful library and learning center with 2000 books, digital resources, and conservation materials for 1100 students. This is now a model for future primary school libraries.

Talek Primary

After working with Mara Girls Leadership School for several years, in 2021 we decided to develop a library and learning center for the public school next door, Talek Primary, with 1200 students in grades 1 to 8. The library transformed this school and inspired us to do more with public schools.

WomenShuka.jpg

Secondary Schools

It's not easy making it to high school in the Maasai Mara — and then succeeding. So much is working against young people here: lack of resources, poverty, homes without power or light, homes far away from the schools, no transportation, the basic need to help their rural families survive. Only 11% of students in Narok County enroll in secondary school, and the number is even lower for girls (CIDP Narok 2018-2022). The students at these public high schools have found a way to stay in school — often the first in their families, with some progressing to university. These motivated young people have overcome many obstacles to be here, and they deserve the opportunity to learn and grow. 

In 2021, we developed a library at Maasai Mara High School (see a classroom), a boys' school in Aitong with over 300 students, and we continue to add to it. In early 2023, we outfitted science labs here. These students are required by the Kenyan education ministry to conduct predefined science experiments, but how could they do it without the resources? We are expanding this program to more high schools, for both girls and boys.

Maasai Mara High School

waving Books.jpg
LibraryWStudents.jpg
BoysReading.jpg
bottom of page