We’ve been amazed that every time we get to the school, we find the kids eagerly awaiting their volunteer teachers. Their welcome is always so hearty- a humbling experience for us! This is definitely one of the reasons we keep going back, week after week.

Perhaps the main reason we remain consistent is seeing those who didn’t know how to read being the first ones to ask what we are going to read and write that day! It’s wonderful how they  appreciate the little things we do for them; and it only takes 2/3 hours a week!

Volunteering has taught me what a difference a few hours can make.  Some of the young men we met when we began teaching couldn’t even hold a pencil, and had no confidence to communicate with us. To see them confident enough to talk and colour makes me appreciate this opportunity. I know that our presence is highly valued by the students! .

Word Formation

Ever heard of consonant blends? I heard about them first at Kusoma Tu, teaching students.  I suppose I would never have learnt about them if I hadn’t volunteered with Kusoma tu Foundation. Apparently, a consonant and a consonant make a consonant blend!

One  learns a lot while teaching others. I never thought that the borstal institution students in Nairobi would be eager to learn and make  complete and comprehensive sentences. I never really even considered their need to learn. Sometimes, we offer them sweets for motivation to answer questions. Even the most silent light up and answer questions! It’s priceless to see their reactions when they answer questions correctly. These guys have never been affirmed at school before- it’s a big deal for them, and we’re honoured to be a part of it!

There’s boy who couldn’t read or write fluently but his sentences amazed me. He was branded as a non-reader yet he wrote, ”I took a straight nail and nailed the mail and pained it”.

This made me appreciate the work we do as volunteers  to help the kids. That’s why we say, ‘Volunteers make things happen’. Giving  time and simple incentives motivates the children and they eagerly await our weekly visits!

I volunteered through Kusoma Tu at the government’s rehabilitation center in Getathuru. The institution is like a boy’s school with the children uniformed and going through structured daily activities (just like it was in school). Monday mornings were my time with these boys. A vibrant group with such promise, speaking English and Swahili, excited to see you, making jokes, ready for the day…yet some can hardly read, others can read but do not understand what they have read. Teenagers…? It was a shocking moment. How do you go about daily knowing you cannot read or understand what you read? What does that do to you? What does it mean for you among peers and during class sessions? What future does that already spell out for you? Does it mean that you are only cut out for a certain kind of job, life, class? It is disheartening just thinking about it but seeing the boys vibrant every other Monday, go through reading exercises, asking questions and being real motivates me to set time aside for them. To ensure they learn to hold their heads high because they can read and understand basic language. To show them that they too are God’s creation and deserve a great future. To nurture a sense of confidence within them as they learn.

It is abnormal, but a proven reality that needs immediate action. Being gifted with time, it is important to make use of it for the growth of society as well. Make time for these kids. Volunteer your skills and effort to help a child learn how to read and encourage them while at it. It is only by sharing knowledge and skills acquired that we equip the next generation.

Anne Nasumba – Lapid Leaders Africa volunteer