As the world celebrated International Literacy Day on September 8 efforts have been made by Kibera Community in bridging the literacy gap.
PCEA Kibera Emmanuel Technical is one of the known adult (Gumbaru) schools in the area that has contributed immensely in impacting knowledge of reading and writing in the informal society.
Started back in 2010, the institute is now boasting of more than 60 student enrolled in both primary and secondary.
“We started five years ago with very few students but now they are ranging above 60 with four candidates expected to seat for their KCPE this year,” said Mr David Ouma, acting manager of the school.
Mr Ouma explains how the adult education programme is run to ensure quality.
“The programme carters for those who are 15 years and above; A student starts from the basic literacy which is a stage to kick-start those who are not able to read or write. They then graduate to primary level where they are taught further based on the curriculum approved by the ministry of education,” Ouma added.
The manager praised the Kibera community for embracing adult education despite the stigma that comes with it.
Jane Akinyi is a student at PCEA Technical School where she attends studies on a part time basis juggles a demanding schedule between her maize business and school.
“There are a lot of challenges but I have to know how to read and write because for me, education is the best thing ever had. I sell maize from morning until noon in order to raise funds for my school fees; I then attend classes in the afternoon,” narrates Akinyi who also appreciates the idea of adult education in Kibera.
The United Nations' (UN) International Literacy Day is celebrated annually falls on September 8 aims to raise people's awareness of and concern for literacy issues in the world.