When Caroline Makokha mapped out her career during her younger years, working in a library was not a scenario she ever considered. Instead, she envisioned herself working as a caregiver in some capacity, tending to those in need of assistance. But life rarely plays out like a well-writtenscript, and we must often contend with its unexpected twists. This is why, in 2007, done with school and in need of work, Caroline applied for a job as an ICT Officer at the Kenya National Library Services. While this could not have been further from her passion, it did not deter her from working zealously in this role. Her job kept her busy as she got transferred from Nairobi to Wundanyi in 2013, then to Mombasa in 2018. Still, she kept her dream alive by volunteering in different homes and caring for the ailing, the elderly, the disabled, and the less fortunate.
Fighting Inequality
With time, Caroline noticed that there was very little overlap between the people she interacted with during her full-time job and her volunteer work. The library was a space frequented by able-bodied people; of note to her was that children living with disabilities were often nowhere to be found. Upon inquiring from the groups she interacted with in her free time, she learned that the biggest factor keeping special needs children at bay was the need for full-time supervision in public spaces.
Because of the risks these children face by not being able to perceive or react to dangerous situations in a timely manner, they are more prone to harm. Rather than take chances, most caregivers opt to confine their children to the safety of their schools and homes. This new insight into the limitations of living with a disability prompted Caroline to find alternative ways of availing library resources to these children. If the mountain will not come to Mohammed, Mohammed will go to the mountain.
Pivoting During the Pandemic
In 2020, Caroline approached special needs schools in Mombasa and pitched the idea of a weekly reading program. Teachers were eager to support the initiative and incorporate it into their timetables. Learners were ecstatic about the story sessions and growing their vocabulary. At Ziwani School for the Deaf, older learners even began using words from the stories to teach younger learners sign language. In the rollout of the program, Caroline named the initiative “Readership Beyond Barriers”.
Even when learning was disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Caroline shifted the focus of her initiative to cater to children living in special needs homes. Maintaining social distancing guidelines, she visited several of these homes weekly with books for the children to read. The reading program picked up when schools reopened in 2021 and was adapted by KNLS Mombasa branch as one of its outreach programs.
Inciting Change
The impact of Caroline’s work has been evident among the special needs learners she works with. There has been a marked improvement in exam results, but the biggest impact has been on the social skills of the children. Because of Readership Beyond Barriers, the learners have learned how to better communicate and express themselves. By gaining these essential skills, they are better placed to advocate for themselves.
Through her work, Caroline is living her purpose and fulfilling her dream of being of service to those in need. Her journey is a reminder that there is always an opportunity to make a difference in any space.
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