The Kenya Works Community Library officially opened to the public on September 24, offering new access to literacy and learning for all. This exciting milestone was made possible through a matching grant from the Walter Foundation and the incredible support of our community, who rose to meet the match challenge!
We were thrilled to host Bob Walter at the Kenya Works campus this month, where he had the opportunity to see the direct impact his foundation’s support is making. The visit concluded with a special celebration for the opening of our new library.
Our foundation is deeply committed to creating educational opportunities for the most vulnerable populations in the United States. Through our partnership with Kenya Works, we are investing in high-impact initiatives in Kenya that prioritize literacy and education for those in need, because we believe that education builds opportunity and hope, no matter where one lives.
-Bob Walter
The Walter Foundation
Kenya Works Community Center Library Opening Celebration, Sept. 24, 2024
Created in Partnership with Kenya National Library Services
The new library operates as a public institution, serving the community and providing open
resource access. In line with this public mandate, a strategic partnership was formed
between the Kenya Works staff and the Kenya National Library Services (KNLS) staff. This collaboration is focused on resource sharing, with KNLS playing a pivotal role in providing essential materials and support to ensure the library’s smooth operation.
KNLS distributes resources and donations to support libraries and resource centers across Kenya. Kenya Works benefits from KNLS’s established programs of distributing materials and donations to
educational and resource-focused institutions.
Key Benefits of the Partnership:
Book and Toy Donations: KNLS has donated many books, 1,200 volumes, and toys to the library. These donations enhance the library’s collection, allowing it to cater to adults and
children, making the space inclusive and valuable for different age groups.
Virtual Information Resource Rendering: As part of the broader agreement, KNLS provides
access to virtual information resources. This includes digital materials and online resources
that enhance the library's offerings, making knowledge more accessible to the community
through modern, tech-based systems.
KNLS’s Role in Establishing the Library:
Staff Recruitment: KNLS assisted in hiring the library staff, ensuring that qualified individuals
were recruited to manage and run the library effectively.
Cataloging: KNLS provided expertise in cataloging the library’s collection and organizing the
books and materials to meet professional standards, which ensures that library users can
easily access and retrieve information.
Installation of KOHA Library Management System: To facilitate the efficient management of
the library’s resources, KNLS installed the KOHA Library Management System. KOHA is an
open-source software widely used in libraries for cataloging, tracking books and managing
user records. This installation streamlines operations, allowing library staff to manage loans,
returns and book inventory efficiently.
Distribution of Books: KNLS helped in sourcing and distributing books to the library, adding to the library's collection and ensuring that a diverse range of materials is available for the public.
This month the team engaged in strategic planning sessions for 2025-2027.
Kenya Works is dedicated to helping vulnerable children and families in Kenya overcome poverty and advocate for their human rights. Our values—partnership, integrity, dignity, equity, accountability, transparency and dedication—guide everything we do and shape how we engage with the communities we serve.
Strategic planning is essential for staying on course with our mission. It gives us a clear direction, helping us focus on what matters most. This plan acts as our North Star, guiding our decisions and ensuring we’re always working toward our main goals. By setting clear outcomes and wisely using our resources, we can make a bigger impact and create lasting change in the communities we support.
In this plan, we're focusing on strengthening our roots in the communities we already serve rather than expanding. By concentrating on our core areas—empowerment, security, knowledge, and equality—we aim to bring more depth, innovation and sustainable change. Building strong relationships with local leaders and community members will remain key to making this happen.
As we move forward, this strategic plan will help us face challenges and take advantage of new opportunities. It will also prompt us to reflect on our progress, celebrate our wins and learn from our experiences. With this plan, we hope to not only meet immediate needs but also empower individuals and families to break free from the cycle of poverty.
This year, we added campus development as a planning group within our planning modules. Our campus development group plays a vital role in developing and maintaining the physical environment, ensuring that all facilities run smoothly. A well-maintained campus supports our mission, ensuring we can continue to serve the community effectively.
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