BOOKS! The Learning Has Begun 'Olympic Challenge' donations powered the purchase and distribution of hundreds of story books for Kendu Bay school children last month. The locally-produced books feature stories and settings familiar to rural Kenyan children. A headteacher explains the significance of this gift.   "This is the first time in history we have received readers for classes 1-2-3," declares Headteacher Kennedy Ongoro. If we were lucky to receive book donations in the past, they were for class 8 - when it is too late for students to make a big change. And the books were 'foreign'; our pupils could not relate to them. For the first time, our children have readers that are within the syllabus and many are also in Kiswahili. You see their excitement! Children understand and love these stories because they are relevant to their lives. 'Atieno Skips to the City,' 'The Lazy Grasshopper,' or 'Mwezi wa Jua' teaches their culture and language while they learn to read. I want to assure you, Madam, that we are going to make good use of these weapons you have given us today. Come back in two years or three and I promise you - you will see these children writing their own stories - unlike our present students who even now struggle to learn creative writing in class 7 and 8. God bless you all for the good work you are doing. You are indeed our CLOUDS that, once they receive moisture, they give rain. We thank you for the 'rain' you have brought us today."
Click here to contribute to the Fall delivery of BOOKS! | 
