Frequent Questions
How many libraries has KEY set up so far?
To date we have strategically placed 46 dynamic primary and secondary school libraries; one in Ghana and Tanzania each and the rest in Kenya across 12 counties in 6 provinces.
KEY libraries are impacting more than 44 300 students with a 5:6 ratio girls to boys at an average cost of $135 per child.
How is KEY affected by the internet and the digital age?
The internet and digital age have had a significant impact on access to online databases, and e-book access. With internet and the advent of our digital age, access to information and information management and analysis has become much easier.
Likewise, technical tools such as computers (pre-loaded with information so they’re useful even without an internet connection, or a teacher for that matter) and digital chalkboards help expand the nature and quality of education. Access to technology also motivates teachers and brings students closer to the world’s best learning practices.
How can one join KEY as a librarian?
We are a small team of 5. We do not recruit librarians. KEY works with professionals who include among them volunteer librarians affiliated with institutions.
From where does KEY get funds?
KEY is a charity. In our first years, we self-funded so we were not making decisions through trial-and-error with other people’s money. In the past few years, we’ve received donations-in kind and worked with a range of supporters and funding partners such as corporate donors like M-Pesa Foundation, donor governments like the Turkish Government, and donor agencies like Goethe Institute.
What kind of books and technology are in KEY libraries?
School libraries should help form a knowledge foundation, but students should also read for pleasure. KEY equips libraries with dedicated computers, e-readers, interactive white boards (smartboards), posters iv, book shelves, reading and study area furniture and a relevant contemporary collection of over 1,500 new books (covered and labeled) that are specially selected to realize the general objectives of Kenya’s Primary and Secondary Education Syllabus, the Constitution and Vision 2030 to educate for knowledge, diversity, citizenship and democracy. The books are sourced form local and international publishers and cover varying local, regional, national and international issues in current affairs, politics, history, science, environment, culture, religion, classics, best sellers, life-skills, inspirational, business, economics, geography, biographies, business, culture.