Start a Library Trust
Across Kenya, millions of children finish school without learning to read or write. Start a Library Trust works with public primary schools in rural areas and urban slums to change this: they help schools create bright, well-stocked libraries, and train teachers and students to make reading part of daily learning. In schools where they operated in 2022-2025, 67% of Grade 2 children can recognize sounds (up from 13%), and 68% of Grade 4 children can write and comprehend (up from 12%).
Challenge
In Kenya, millions of children—around 30% of students—finish primary school without learning to read or write in English, the primary language of instruction. Only 23% of public primary schools have libraries, and most teacher training programs do not include library science or English classes.
Cultural beliefs that “Africans do not read" or "reading is only for elites," limited funding for libraries, and the lack of a national policy requiring schools to build and maintain libraries or reading programs further weaken Kenya’s reading culture. As a result, children—especially in rural areas—grow up without the support they need to build strong literacy skills. This keeps them from engaging with the world or reaching their full potential in school, work, and life.
Solution
Start a Library Trust works in Kenyan public primary schools in rural areas and urban slums where classrooms, teachers, and books are in short supply. Each year, the organization works with about 16 schools to turn empty or underused classrooms into libraries stocked with learning materials for children ages 4 to 15.
To make these libraries come alive, Start a Library Trust trains approximately 100 teachers each year to organize books, lead engaging reading sessions, and make the library part of everyday learning. 100 students are trained as library prefects, helping to care for the spaces and encourage their classmates to read. Parents and community members also take part by reading with children and joining school book clubs that build confidence and communication skills.
The organization helps families make reading part of daily life and gives children opportunities to write and share their own stories. Beyond schools, Start a Library Trust drives systemic change by advocating for a national library policy and a strong reading culture.
Founded in
2012
Last update: 2025
Impact
Start a Library Trust’s work is transforming how children learn to read. In schools that have received new libraries and teacher training from Start a Library Trust in 2022-2025, literacy levels have risen sharply.
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Among Grade 2 learners, the percentage of students who can recognize letter sounds has grown from 13% to 67%.
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In Grade 4, the percentage of students who can write and comprehend what they read has increased from 12% to 68%.
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In Grade 7, one in three learners can now read and express themselves clearly—where almost none could before.
Leadership
Evelyne Mwandia
Executive Director
Evelyne Mwandia is a Kenyan leader, children’s author, and advocate for learning equity. With over 15 years of experience in education, youth development, and social impact, she has led literacy initiatives, promoted girls’ education, and built partnerships that expand opportunity for young people.
She is the author of Silenced Voices, a powerful book amplifying the experiences of girls and women facing systemic barriers to education. Her work blends storytelling, leadership, and advocacy to inspire lasting change. Evelyne’s impact has been recognized through fellowships from the Gratitude Network (2023), Women Leaders for the World (2024), and the Issroff Family Foundation’s Collaborative Learning Initiative (2025).
