Across the world, libraries play an important role in promoting literacy, social inclusion and equity. Open to all, they provide a repository of information that should be accessible to every citizen.
Over recent years, libraries have embraced new technology to offer digital services. Through this transition, libraries have improved access to information and resources for many, including vulnerable groups, such as persons with disabilities (PWDS).
In developing countries like Kenya, however, not all libraries are digitally equipped.
Dr Gilbert Mugeni
According to the United Nations Population Fund, around 2.2% of Kenya’s population constitute of PWDs. Efforts to improve and digitalise library resources are being implemented, however there is little awareness amongst PWDs of the digital services available and how to access these.
On 2 November, Commonwealth Alumnus Dr Gilbert Mugeni organised a Library Open Day to promote awareness of library assistive technologies and improved accessible services available to PWDs at the Fairmile Special School for PWDs
Dr Mugeni is the Deputy Director, Compliance and Enforcement at the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the regulatory authority for the ICT sector in Kenya.
The activity promoted the 2024/24 ACEF theme: Disability inclusion in institutions.
Libraries for all
Dr Mugeni hosted the Library Open Day at Fairmile School, located within the informal settlement of Kangemi slums, Nairobi. The school provides special education for students with autism, cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities.
Ms Rosalia Mweni, Deputy Director of Education, Nairobi City County
Over 100 participants took part, including students and staff from Fairmile School, Ms Rosalia Mweni Ndambuki, Deputy Director of Education, Nairobi City County and other local government representatives. The event was also attended by students, parents and staff from Kangemi Special School, alongside library and information experts from Slida enterprises, and a representative from Strathmore University and African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute (AFRALTI).
The open day provided a platform to inform students, teachers and parents about the accessible library services and ICT interventions available and how to use them. Guest speakers shared practical guidance and information on the facilities available and how to use the library. Presentations were followed by lively Q&A discussion from participants.
Following the opening keynote delivered by Ms Rosalia Mweni Ndambuki, Deputy Director of Education, on behalf of the Director of Education, Nairobi City County, fellow speakers stressed the importance of libraries. As essential tools for learning, communication, and personal development, speakers encouraged students to use the library to support their personal development and education and called on parents and teachers support them in visiting the library.
Accessible platforms and resources
Dr Gilbert Mugeni addressing the participants
He outlined the structure of a typical library designed for PWD children, particularly those with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and developmental disabilities.
Dr Mugeni announced that to accelerate digital inclusion efforts post-COVID-19, collaborators on the Conect2Recover and Connect2Partner initiative, launched by the International Telecommunication (ITU) and Huawei, had drafted a proposal to support the Fairmile PWD School. The proposal outlines the following important library and digital inclusion developments:
- Provision of stable and affordable internet connectivity
- Donation of ten basic computers for the school offices and library, a network colour printer, 50’ smart board
- Equipping of a small library kitted out with specific hardware and customised open source E-resources and software for PWD.
The proposed developments would support up to 20 children at any given time and provide necessary hardware, software, and specialised equipment to support their learning.
Leonard Mabele, a researcher at Strathmore University, provided further background on the benefits of the Connect2Recover initiative. He shared the findings of the ITU study which highlighted the efforts of the project to make rural and marginalised communities digitally inclusive.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with one mile. We have begun small but with the support of the various stakeholders, we could scale-up this [Connect2Recover] initiative into something that is very beneficial not just to the school, but to the community within which the school resides. For instance, provision of free internet to the community at the school’s library.”
Leonard Mabele, Researcher, Strathmore University
Ms Mary Ayuma of SLIDA stresses appoint during presentation on library software
The open day included presentations and demonstrations on accessible library hardware and software by the team from Slida Enterprises. Following the presentations, participants engaged in a Q&A session to learn more about the digital platforms and software.
Strengthening partnerships
Through the event, Dr Mugeni fostered a connection between Fairmile School and local government representatives and other stakeholders which he hopes will maximise the number of students using the CA library and help them develop digital skills.
As a result of Dr Mugeni’s Library Open Day, stakeholders present at the event have agreed to support the Fairmile School. Huawei has tentatively committed to donate a smart screen for learning and teaching and computers for staff and the library. They have also committed to partner with a telecom service provider to provide affordable and meaningful internet connectivity to the school.
Dr Fern Esuchi, Director Fairmile
“I learnt these things while in the USA over 40 years ago, but coming back to Kenya, it wasn’t practical to implement them as these technologies were not here. We resorted to doing things manually. I am happy that they are being refreshed in my mind again, and I hope before I soon turn 70, I will see the realisation of some of these assistive technologies at Fairmile School”
Dr Fern Esuchi, Director, Fairmile School
Reflecting on the open day, participants shared positive interest in learning more about and engaging with the assistive technology available at the library.
“I am proud to be associated with Fairmile School. This school has become a second home for my son, in developing him into a dependable person. I believe with the introduction of technology in learning, he stands a chance to shine and excel in his future life, just like any other child in Kenya.”
– Parent of a student at Fairmile School
Dr Gilbert Mugeni is a 2012 Commonwealth Professional Fellow from Kenya. He completed his Fellowship at the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation.
