Building Macalder Primary School's First Library: an update
- Erica Lariccia
- 23 gen
- Tempo di lettura: 2 min
A school library is a gateway to literacy, imagination and new life opportunities. Here's an update about this amazing project carried out by Mrs Barhey, from her travel journal.
14th January 2026 - The schools in Kenya have started back after their long holidays and the head teacher invited the parents to launch the library idea to the parents who will help prepare the room.
On Wednesday 14th January, I held a video call with the parents of Miroche School, organised by the headteacher, to explain the next steps and how the project will move forward.One of the most touching moments came when I spoke with the parents who have volunteered to help prepare and improve the room for the library. When I shared that the library would serve not only the school but also the wider community, they began to clap. It was such a beautiful and unexpected response that my eyes filled with tears.When I then told them that each school would receive a minimum of 1,000 books, there was a moment of silence, followed by amazement, near disbelief and then another round of applause. It truly showed how much this project means and how great the need is. Moments like these remind us why this work is so important and just how powerful your support really is
22nd January 2026 - This morning, I had the privilege of meeting with parents at Macalder Comprehensive School through video call to share the plans for supporting their children’s reading and learning.
The parents asked thoughtful and important questions, including whether children would be able to access books in their own local language as these are not readily available (since English became the main learning language), and how books from the West would align with their curriculum and learning needs. These questions showed how deeply they care about their children’s education.
Overall, the parents were extremely happy, grateful and appreciative for the time and effort being invested in their community. One parent shared that they felt very blessed that, although many foreigners had left Macalder in the late 1960s, I had returned to help them. That truly touched my heart. Another parent asked whether children from Macalder could one day have opportunities to study abroad. I explained that while opportunities can come, they are built on hard work — perfectly reflected in the school’s motto: “Hard work pays off.”
Moments like these remind me why this project matters so much.
Thank you to everyone supporting this journey.
And finally... here are some books ready for shipment:
If you would like to support our project, you can make a donation to:
Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference!
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