A simple, one-room library at the heart of Mathare slums in Nairobi is gaining popularity for helping the poor youth study and gain focus in life amidst poverty and desperation.
The Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) Library, founded in 2005 by the Charles Johnson family is now the talk of the slum having mentored many youths that have broken the poverty barrier.
A visit to the library, 6km east of the capital Nairobi, does not at first glance does not portray any significance within the narrow streets of Mathare where children use every available space to play games.
But listening to the testimonies of the youth and those who have been behind the operations for the last 18 years reveals a major cog in the education of the Mathare youth.
Erick Ochieng, first forged links with the MYSA Library in 2005 when he was in Class 5. Mr Ochieng is now a Mentor and Music Teacher at the library.
The library, apart from offering reading materials for young children and teenagers which their families cannot afford, the library situated in the Mathare 4A section has been responsible for discovering and mentoring talents in music and acting.
“We have talent, we recite poetry praising the virtues of education, traditional dancing, and plays. The library not has enabled many youths to avoid drugs and crime as they have a place to spend their time constructively instead of loitering aimlessly during their free time,” said Mr Ochieng.
There are students from more than 10 primary schools that attend the library. It is part of the MYSA activities that is known for mentoring young footballers through the Mathare United Football Club.
“Apart from reading, we organized for the youngsters to show their various talents. There are many talents but we lack the facilities for those who want to sing but don’t have the equipment. They are using mobile phones to record their songs,” said Mr Ochieng.
During the visit, philanthropist, Nelson Hezekiah Oyugi was at the venue donating foodstuff and music equipment for the development of the young talent.
Mr Oyugi said he had been attracted reputation of the library last year at a time when he was searching for a children’s home where he could give back to society, especially those in need, and promote extra-curricular activities.
“It is a noble act to give something back to society once you have achieved something in life. It is good to consider the less fortunate and those who need support to make it in life,” said Mr Oyugi, who added that he has established a relationship with the library for long-term cooperation.
The Charles Johnson family from the US started the library with only one room, but now the establishment has more rooms for studies for children and adults, as well as space for talent practice. The library depends on donations from good samaritans like Mr Oyugi for books and other learning materials
The academic programme at the library—that has made a big mark in the Mathare community—is that those attending tutor each other where those in higher classes guide those in lower classes.
Among the attractions of the library is that even those who have passed through it come back to help in every way they can. Yvone Owade, is one of those who passed through the library and still maintains contacts with the library helping in tutoring.
One of the notable products of the library is David Adundo Osunga, a budding rap and hip-hop musician who says that the Osuna library has helped a lot of youth in the Mathare Slum, who would have fallen victim to drugs and crime.
Osunga—who was brought up by a single dad after my mother ran away from home when he was 12—owes his music career to the library.
It is through the library that he met his mentor, John Mark Ngure, who has shaped his worldview and arranged for interviews at various TV stations such as KBC, KTN, and K-24—to tell his story from a disillusioned youth to a focused individual.
