Book Reading Culture

 

By Grace Waithaka 

"The Books" 

Books have been part of human civilization for a long time, dating back even centuries. They are the single most preferred mode of compilation of literature and artillery works. That said, Kenyans have been urged to embrace an important culture – that of reading books. This clarion call was made by none other than the Director of Sharp Education Center Dr. Paul Wanjohi, who also doubles up as the Chairman of the APBET Schools. Now APBET stands for Alternative Providers of Basic Education and Training. Mr. Wanjohi, an ardent advocate of education for all, has always been at the forefront fighting and championing for basic education access for all regardless of their social stature.

Mr. Wanjohi is vocal, and even now, he continues to urge the Ministry of Education – under whose mandate the provision of education falls – to see to it that APBET schools are recognized and factored in so as to benefit from capitation.

‘Take the example of that child from a very humble background and whose parents cannot afford the conventional education. Where will that child go to? That’s why the APBET schools come to bridge the gap. At a very pocket friendly rate, we make sure that all children can access education, since education has been confirmed to be the greatest equalizer.” Mr. Wanjohi noted.

On the auspicious occasion of the World Books Day held in Buruburu last week, Mr. Wanjohi stressed the need to make education accessible for all. He particularly implored upon Kenyans, especially parents and teachers who play a pivotal role in mentoring the young ones, to see to it that they inculcate a reading culture within their children. Mr. Wanjohi lamented the way children of nowadays have been carried away by technology, thereby running the risk of deserting the crucial culture of book-reading.

“Parents of nowadays have been known to ‘reward’ their children by giving them their phones or tablets at will. The children are not only overexposed to the current and emerging trends, they are also unlikely to befriend books. We cannot refute the fact that technology is here with us, but let us not forget that books are precious gems packed with a lot of useful information,” he advised.

Mr. Wanjohi at the same time implored upon the Government, especially organs like the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (the K.I.C.D) to see to it that it provided the books that are aligned with the Competency Based Curriculum (the CBC) which is a successor of the previous curricula dispensation – the 8-4-4.

“It’s a pandemonium to note that the books to facilitate smooth roll-out of the CBC are inadequate. We are therefore, as stakeholders, calling and urging the Government to expedite measures that will enable the provision and access of books and othe CBC-related-learning materials in all our schools.”

March 12, 2025