In Kisumu County, a small community turned their dreams into reality, overcoming the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to celebrate the opening of the Okuto Community Library. Discover how grassroots initiatives and local fundraising expertise transformed their vision into a powerful success story.
(By: Kenya Community Development Foundation’s Communication Team)
The day the Okuto Community Library opened its door in January 2022 was a moment of triumph for the West Seme ward community in Kisumu County. After overcoming the challenges of the COVID – 19 pandemic and rallying together to raise the necessary funds, the community finally had a reason to celebrate.
For years, the community grappled with declining education standards and the absence of a dedicated space for meetings and events. While many envisioned a solution, one question loomed large: Where would the funds come from?
That’s when Benta Ndeda, Director and Founder of the Aniga Women Initiative, stepped in with a plan. Through her community work, Benta discovered Change the Game Academy (CtGA). At first, she was eager to attract international donors, but the training transformed her perspective. “It taught me to look beyond international donors and harness the potential of local networks. The training emphasized that everyone is a potential donor, and support isn’t limited to money—it includes in-kind contributions too,” she explains.
Empowered by this knowledge, Benta and her team partnered with the Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) to propose the Okuto Community Library. Through a grant- matching initiative, the community raised half of the required funds, while KCDF matched their contribution “Initially, we were skeptical about raising Sh1,000,000 locally,” says Benta. “But with the support of local leaders and the Aniga Women Initiative, we mobilized our efforts, even during the challenges of the pandemic.”
Reflecting on their journey, Maureen Anyango, Project Coordinator, highlighted innovative strategies adopted post-training:
"Change the Game Academy taught us resilience and creativity. Using WhatsApp groups and personalized donor outreach, we exceeded expectations and reinforced the power of local empowerment," she says.
The library has become a beacon of hope, transforming education and fostering community engagement across three zones. For students like Fabregas Ochieng, it’s a source of inspiration. “I want to be a scientist. Maybe I’ll be the one to find a cure for cancer, which has affected so many people in our community. Here, I find lots of materials to read,” says Fabregas.
Teachers, too, have benefited. According to Mr. Wilson Ouma, a CRE, Swahili, and English teacher, the library has revolutionized learning. “Before, students could only access books in class. Now, they can borrow books to read at home, enhancing their learning experience,” he explains.
Despite its success, the library still faces challenges, including unfurnished facilities, a lack of essential staff, and ongoing funding needs. However, the community remains determined. “Post-training, I pursued additional skills in support mobilization,” shares Maureen. “We’re using these skills to amplify our efforts in food security, women’s empowerment, and community health initiatives. Even in a classroom setting, I managed to raise over 4,000 Kenya shillings for sanitary towels—a small but impactful step.”
The Okuto Community Library stands as a testament to what can be achieved through local fundraising and community-driven initiatives. Inspired by their success, Maureen continues to expand her training and share these lessons with others. “It’s an idea that can change the world. Local fundraising taught us the power of community, and we’re using that same power to drive change in other areas too,” she says.