KEY builds libraries

To date, KEY has built 45 libraries — 43 spread across Kenya major regional blocs and one each in Tanzania and Ghana. But this Canadian registered charity does more than build libraries. We also establish programs and management practices that keep libraries sustainable and relevant, and get students and teachers excited about going to the library.

The results speak for themselves. KEY libraries have won awards, including first, second and third place at the National Library of the Year awards. But more important, students are thriving in them, winning local and international awards for their writing, reading, debating and science-fair projects. And our interactive whiteboards, computers, games and up-to-date collections of diverse books from major national, regional and international publishers equip teachers with new, innovative ways to teach and better engage with students.

KEY builds democracy

We believe that democracy needs to be practiced to prepare students to participate in a democratic culture. To this end, we encourage the use of our libraries as forums for good governance, student activism, freedom of expression, self-discovery and personal development. Each of our libraries is governed and managed by a library council made up of students, plus a teacher and parent representative. Each library council is mandated in a constitution that integrates the democratic values of rights and choice in the use, governance and management of the library. Before we provide libraries to communities and schools, the KEY Library Constitution must be agreed upon and adopted by school boards and students.

KEY builds change

Our mission at KEY is to drive meaningful change in Kenya’s educational system by providing fully functioning school libraries in Kenya.

KEY ensures that our measures are compatible with national interests and align with the general objectives of Kenya’s Primary and Secondary Education Syllabus, its 2010 Constitution and Vision 2030 development program.

KEY builds teachers

Our interactive whiteboards, computers, games and up-to-date diverse books from major national, regional and international publishers equip teachers with new, innovative ways to teach and better engage with students. Our record strikes a balance between building inspiring school libraries, advocating for them and using them as a practicum for children to learn, apply and practice the skills of a democracy.

KEY builds readers

Studies show that reading for pleasure produces academically superior, emotionally intelligent students15 – the perfect recipe for a thriving community and an extraordinary country. Reading is also shown to: