Residents of Gatunga in Tharaka Nithi have a reason to smile following the opening of a state-of-the-art library and ICT resource centre.
The new facility funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the county for Sh58 million is expected to benefit over 10,000 community members.
USAID Kenya and East Africa Mission Director David Gosney who spoke during the opening ceremony highlighted its significance in the region in enhancing educational opportunities.
“This library opens doors for children and young people to dive into digital technology and ICT, helping them build necessary skills to explore well-paid, future careers,” said Gosney.
“The project builds on a successful partnership between USAID’s Our Sisters Read (OSR) programme and Tharaka University, where students gain experience through internships,” he stated.
The collaboration, he noted, will only grow stronger with more student internships and the use of digital resources available at the library.
“The United States values its partnership with the Kenyan government and people,” said Gosney.
Through the partnership, the county donated land while USAID constructed the facility and equipped it with furniture, computers, books, a library information management system, and full-time Wi-Fi connectivity.
This new library exemplifies the longstanding collaboration with the Ministry of Education to ensure every Kenyan has access to a quality education.
Governor Muthomi Njuki who was present thanked the USAID for the partnership noting its intervention is of immense benefit to the county.
“USAID is a very dependable partner. It is not only found in the rural areas but across the country and the world at large,” he said.
He challenged learners from the county to utilise the facility to gain knowledge adding his government will continue to support education through the provision of bursaries.
OSR, a five-year USAID program will leverage the library and ICT center to increase access to quality reading materials and increase digital literacy skills among students and community members.
The programme is already working in 63 schools providing targeted support for struggling readers and providing adult literacy and numeracy classes for mothers and women caregivers in Tharaka Nithi.
It has expanded access to books and technology through the newly constructed library and primary school-based libraries.
It has also mobilised community members including parents, educators, youth, local government officials, and village leaders to build support for literacy and education.
These interventions are designed to improve early-grade reading outcomes in Tharaka Nithi through sustained interest, motivation, and support for early-grade reading and digital literacy.