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| Gladys Chonga, a Librarian in-charge of Children department at KNLS Mombasa branch. Photo by Geitano Ndalo at KICODEP on Saturday |
The department of children at the Kenya National Library Services Mombasa
branch is calling on teachers across the county to instill a reading culture
amongst pupils saying it is the only way to ensure that they stay informed.
Speaking to the media in Mombasa on Saturday Gladys Chonga a librarian in
charge of children department at KNLS Mombasa branch says they have embraced a
digital reading technology geared at encouraging reading culture among Kenyans.
According to her one electronic gadget (Ipad format) has a capacity to download
1200 books.
“We need as teachers to support the kids at an early stage. At the same
time let us also give our pupils time to relax. All work and no play makes jack
a dull boy,” she said.
She argues that as technology changes hard copies will eventually be
replaced with soft copies in the next five years.
Ms. Chonga further states that KNLS has reached out to many schools
within Mombasa Island to sensitize schools on e-books.
“We also need to go an extra mile due to the cultures within us. You teachers
can form book clubs and visit KNLS. We have ample resources for the kids,” she
noted.
According to her the digital reading technology will assist pupils reduce
the burden of carrying loads of books to and from schools.
However she says the gadgets are only available at the KNLS branches.
“We have basic computer labs at KNLS where pupils can read online.
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| DAYO Executive director Seif Jira facilitating a session at KICODEP on Saturday photo by Geitano Ndalo. |
Meanwhile, Dream Achievers Youth Organization executive director Seif
Jira says the CBO works closely with the department of education in Mombasa County
to ensure that grade one to three learners are able to read on their own.
He says through Tusome Project the
NGO encourages reading culture among grade one to three pupils.
“As an organization we work on various thematic areas including;
education, health, youth empowerment and social justice. In economic
empowerment we train young people on how to carry out businesses” he noted.
He further says the CBO also trains young people on financial literacy by
encouraging them to save their hard earned money.
An education official from Mombasa County who spoke on condition of anonymity
urged teachers to encourage pupils on proper usage of school learning
materials.
She wants teachers to take care of all learning materials saying basic
education is key.
“Tusome Project is a very good program that we should even
propose for an extension to accommodate upper grades not grade one to three
alone,” she said.
She says the department embraces the program as it inculcates a reading
culture among kids.
Some of the beneficiary schools in the project include among others;
Olive Rehabilitation Centre, Furaha Nursery School, Bien Alliance Petrose
Academy and Gates of Joy.
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| Gladys Chonga training teachers on how to take care of library materials photo by Geitano Ndalo |
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