Dabaso Library Association

The Akili Trust

Quarterly report number 31

Date of report: July 1, 2013

To cover the period; April, May and June 2013

Part one:

Intro and greetings;

From the sandy footpaths to the patches of green fields of Dabaso Primary School - where Dabaso Community Library is housed – there is a blessing and a curse.

Blessed because the library stands very iconic in this very compound and unperturbed by the ongoing teachers’ strike and cursed due to the strike that has paralysed learning in public schools. It’s very sad to note that no solution has been reached to end the strike and therefore our library has had to capitalise on the same. Why capitalise anyway? During this period, the number of library users has fluctuated. Apart from the regular frequenters, who are in this case mainly community folks and members from the host primary school, there are many newcomers sourcing from the library.

Here at the library, we have a quest. Our quest is to make sure we have satisfied those in need of library materials. We understand for example that the teachers’ strike is on and negotiations are on too. It is a very difficult moment for candidates, their parents and sympathisers. Hopefully, a verdict will be reached in the near future.

The people of Dabaso are very sincere. In spite of the ups and downs, they spend a few minutes to ask us at the library to say hi to you. Hoping you are well and planning your next trip to Kenya.

Readers’ information:

Figures of library users during the quarter;

Dabaso primary school pupils; 4680

Daily average; 60

Dabaso primary school teachers; 780

Daily average; 10

Canon Mweri secondary school pupils; 963

Daily average; 12

Canon Mweri secondary school teachers; 156

Daily average; 2

Other outsiders; 3900

Daily average; 50

Users altogether; 10479

Daily average; 134 Reasons why the figures in 1, 2, 3 and 4 above fell:

In the last weeks of June, teachers in Kenya went for a nationwide strike that paralysed learning in public schools. This strike has gone a long way to explain the big fall of the above figures. In a show of solidarity, all teachers have to stay away from these institutions until their grievances are heard. Low pay is the main objective teachers frequently call on strikes. As a result, some of the students from the upper primary opt to walk to the library since most of them come from within. Those who locate from faraway either walk or cycle.

The number of outsiders has steadied to a high since many people come on daily basis. They either access the dailies or library materials in different forms. The feeling is that until teachers are back, the library will continue to bolster and provide the proper avenue for information seekers.

Books information:

The second quarter of 2013 has brought to it many things ranging from unpredictable weather conditions to the mass strikes and demos by civil servants. The newly sworn in Jubilee government has a lot to achieve but most importantly, a solution to end the frequent and prolonged mass actions plunging the land.

Library materials usage is high, high through the ceiling and up to the sky – the limit point. The way the African literature is highly on demand like hot cakes is the same way there is a need for other reference materials. On this day when teachers are protesting, even the course books are continually asked for. To limit the description of the above materials only is to be selfish. There are vast areas clocking high marks too. For instance, the newspapers and periodical magazines have been on demand as usual. The newspapers this time, apart from the daily dose, folks follow events e.g. updates on the ongoing strike, other socio-political issues and the news on the ailing South African Icon – Nelson Mandela. The library area has turned to a study complex. Why? From the outside study shades to the giant makuti shelter, about 30Ms from the library, a mass of readers sits in either solitude or stick together in discussion, not to mention those who use the inner section. It provides a lovely feeling straight to the core. Pictorial illustration:

(a) (b)

(a:) Dabaso primary school pupils using the main library hall, (b): Readers using the outside shades, (c): Pupils searching for library materials and (d): Readers using the giant makuti shelter.

Use of computers:

Computer knowledge can never be despised. That’s why at Dabaso library, we try to make this achievable as well as a priority. During the second quarter of 2013, the use of computers was encouraged. For example, people were guided to do online research which has in turn led to independence and self reliance. Further, computer classes have also been on as expected with numbers adding on regular basis. It is worth to also note that we are now preparing certificates for those who have satisfactorily completed their courses. As a matter of fact, we had to quickly issue a certificate to a student who had been called for an interview at Turtle Bay - Watamu. This has really given us a base on where we can start from and we know exactly what to include to make the certificates professionally attracting and workable.

In our last report, we briefly touched on some bad occurrences that had taken course and are affiliated to our library. We talked about the death of one of the computer student and the Dot Kenya facilitator’s involvement in a road accident. It’s worth therefore to report on the situation so far on the ground. The Dot Kenya teacher is fully recovered now and is due to report back to work in the next few moths. Fred personally met this man and was able to collect the certificates for all the participants of the Dot Kenya workshop project that took place at Dabaso library. About the demised student, we were able to send Cornelius to represent the Akili family at the funeral. Pictorial illustration:

(a) (b)

(a) and (b): Library users in the computer room.

Interaction with readers:

A move dubbed saving the class eights;

Trying to put the above motto into a realistic state, we at the library have been able to meet the standard eight to administer talks on how they can better the use of the facility. The class eight at Dabaso primary has four streams and we had to plan a session for each. We conducted the talks in the library. The move was driven by the fact that many students from the upper primary spent a lot of time idling after class hours. Better still, it was important to share academic ideas and goals, plus revealing to them the importance of Akili Trust, including probable benefits to the best performers at the national examinations. Quite an encouragement. This move was done immediately before the teachers’ strike but we thank God that it attracted many students to it like bees to a hive.

Some of the ideas discussed:

They include;

1. That the candidates doing well at the national exams may win chances to be sponsored by the Akili Trust,

2. Stressing on the need to greatly focus on education as it was the only way out to realising a better future,

3. That the library may at some point start some point begin social clubs with the candidates e.g. clubs on writing competitions, debating, etc.

NB: In order to qualify for the above three, we advised the candidates to maintain high standards of discipline Pictorial illustration:

(a) (b)

(c)

(a): Fred lecturing the Dabaso primary standard eight pupils in the library, (b): A student taking part in the lecture, (c): Students paying attention during the lecture.

Bursary students’ updates:

Form ones;

The form one students are four namely;

1. Kopi Omar – St. Georges High School

2. Menza Baraka – Malindi High School

3. Shindo Harriet Nema – Kakoneni Girls Secondary School

4. Lewa Nema Becky – Kakoneni Girls Secondary School

Form twos;

They are three namely;

1. Masha Samuel – Kilifi Township Secondary School 2. Khadija Ali – Ngala Girls Secondary School

3. Leah Nixon – St John’s Secondary School

Form threes;

They are two namely;

1. Baraka Kazungu – Canon Mweri Secondary School

2. Nzai Celestine – Moi Girls Secondary School

Form fours;

They are two namely;

1. David Kalama – Voi Secondary School

2. Rukia Alex – Ngala Girls Secondary School

Students’ notes;

In our last report, we indicated that the form ones’ results were prepared late by the schools because all form ones reported late to their new schools due to the general elections. Therefore, we made a pledge to report this as soon as we received them.

We are very happy now. Happy because we received the results in time for this report and they are very pleasing so to speak. The students in form one did exceptionally well. Congratulations! I hope that they can keep the fire burning.

With an exception of the Malindi High student, who attained a little below the average when he was not feeling too well at the exam time, we are still convinced that it is just the beginning. He has the potential and he can do well in the next exams.

From form two to four, the students have tried hard to attain good grades. They have mostly performed above average which is really very encouraging.

It is also worth to note that the form fours are doing their last exams by the end of this year. All the sponsored students are in government secondary schools. Many of these schools are off due to the ongoing strike and the government is slow to address the key issues to end it. Therefore, some of these students are back home.

The form fours for instance are attached to their schools as this is a critical time for them. However, no formal learning is going on in these schools apart from doing revision. We at the library wish our form fours the very best of luck!

Pictorial illustration: (a) (b)

(e)

(a): A group photo of all the bursary students, (b): Rukia and David both in form four, (c): Baraka and Celestine form three, (d): Khadija, Masha and Lea form two, (e): Harriet, Becky, Omar and Baraka form one.

Staff news:

Both Cornelius and Fred are still going on with studies at Blue Waters in Malindi. The classes are conducted in the evenings.

Cornelius intends to take his annual leave in August 2013 while Fred eyes a December leave.

Special feature:

In May 2013, Fred travelled to Moi Girls - Eldoret. There was a fee balance issue at Celestine’s school that needed sorting out. When he travelled, he was able to raise the issue with the school who later fixed the problem. Part two:

Financial reporting;

It is worth to note that there are fundamental changes that have taken place since the introduction of the annual budget. You will realise that in one quarter for example, we used to receive Kes 24000. This money was sent in three equal phases of Kes 8000 per month. However, we received money for April and May, amounting to Kes 16000. This is what we have accounted for in the meantime. The other amount we can talk about is the annual budget. Well, when this money was sent, it was usable towards the end of June. This is because the signatories had to apply for cheque books, and there was a whole week’s wait for them to be prepared. The initial figure was Kes 50000. The budget breakdown of this will follow after the April and May finance report.

April and May report:

Income:

Source April May Total Akili Trust 8000 8000 16000 Readers’ registration 100 100 Total 8100 8000 16100

Expenditure:

April May Total Newspapers 1100 1150 2250 Internet 2500 2500 5000 Books 210 840 1050 Transport 1900 1400 3300 Post/Phone 1400 1200 2600 Miscellaneou 1000 900 1900 s Total 8110 7990 16100

Miscellaneous breakdown:

Newspaper supplier 1000 sustenance 350 Energy saving bulb 500 Wall clock battery 50 Total 1900

Quarterly reconciliation:

Balance b/f 9.00

Add income 16100.00

16109

Less expenses 16100.00

9.00

Balance c/f 9.00 How initial Kes 50000 was budgeted for:

The following is a budget proposal on how the money was intended to be used. The budget was prepared by the librarians and presented before Emmanuel and Esther for probable amendments and approval.

Money that was withdrawn Kes 45000 in late June

Item Quantity Price Daily Nation newspapers Kes 50 by 30 days Kes 1500 The Standard newspapers Kes 50 by 30 days Kes 1500 Taifa Leo newspapers Kes 25 by 30 days Kes 750 Internet Bundles One month unlimited bundle Kes 2000 Transport For official trips Kes 3000 Post and phone One month Kes 2000 Stationery One month Kes 1000 College fees First module Kes 17250 Repair and installations Roof repair Kes 5000 Table repair Kes 1500 Zuku installation Kes 4000 DVD player purchase Kes 3500 Computer maintenance Kes 2000 Grand total Kes 45000

NB: The above proposal is ‘SUBJECT TO CHANGE’

Explanation:

1. Newspapers;

We decided to up the number of newspapers to three. In the past, we only provided the Nation newspaper. We have realised that the two introduced copies are also on our ‘frequently ask for list’ that we thought we should provide them too. Especially with the annual budget, it was possible to make the inclusion. Further, we are thirsting to fulfil all needs of our readers through such provisions.

2. Internet;

On this, embarking on the monthly bundle was important and a cheaper way of staying in touch. The weekly bundles may not be that effective as reloading in needed once every week.

3. Transport:

The transport figure was derived from averages of the months. This vote head is for official transport only.

4. Post and phone:

This vote head takes care of all the correspondences that the library will undertake within the month.

5. Stationery: This is to cater for all office supplements of the library within the month.

6. College fees:

Cornelius and Fred are now taking a part-time library course at Blue Waters in Malindi. From the understanding, the Akili Trust and the librarians were supposed to share these costs into equal halves. Cornelius’ module one fee is 16000 and Fred’s is 18500. Cornelius’ half if 8000 while Fred’s is 9250. The Akili total half therefore is 17250.

7. Repairs and installations:

 Roof repair;

A section of the library roof is leaking. We therefore had to set aside this amount of money to cater for the repair.

 Table repair;

One of the tables in the main reading hall is broken and the amount set is to fix it.

 Zuku installation;

This service provides channels to a TV via a decoder. Since we already have the TV, we thought it wise to enquire for the service. It also presents school based programmes that will go a long way to helping our bursary students.

 DVD purchase;

We had to acquire this as well. We will also see how we can get some DVDs on matters education to present to our students.

 Computer maintenance;

Money set aside for this is to generally deal with any maintenance activities in the computer arena.

Prepared at Dabaso Library!