School Libraries
Our libraries project aims to create spaces where students can explore the world and inspire their imagination through books.
Our Maarifa libraries come in different forms and is dependent on both our available resources and the needs of the school.
Maarifa House at Illoirero Primary School
At Illoirero Primary School, there was simply no classroom space available to run our Education for Conservation lessons, so we designed and constructed the Maarifa House. Designed with many sustainability features in mind, including raised and elevated roof lines to allow natural airflow and light, to harvest rainwater and one day be fitted with solar panels to power the building, building columns are made using recycled tyres and oil drums, feature bricks made using old plastic bottles and the pavers made from recycled plastic – this space is a classroom, library and community hall in one. Construction was completed in February 2023. Maarifa House has become place not just for students but for community gatherings as well.
Retrofitted library at Kishermoruak Primary School
By early 2023 we officially opened a Maarifa library at Kishermoruk Primary School. Retrofitting an old school building with a fresh coat of paint, new furniture and bookshelves and the installation of a digital learning screen with WiLearn wifi.
Cupboard library at Oloibormurt Primary School
With limited resources at this time for construction of a new building and with no available existing buildings to retrofit, we have provided a Maarifa ‘cupboard’ library and continue to add more books to build up the collection.
To ensure our resources extend as far as possible and also to keep with our environmental ethos, we purchase second hand books from Half-Price Books in Nairobi in bulk. Our schools also work together, to exchange books with each other, so there are always fresh reads for students.
Add books to the libraries by either cash donation or bring with you next time you are on safari and give to Gamewatchers Safaris to deliver to the schools.
$10 buys 2-4 books; $20 4-8 books; $50 10 – 20 books
