School Volunteers in Nairobi Launch Reading Buddies Program

In a bid to improve literacy among young learners, several volunteers in Nairobi have teamed up with local schools to launch a Reading Buddies initiative. As part of the programme, trained community volunteers are paired with pupils to read one-on-one or in small groups, helping to build comprehension, confidence and a deeper love for books.
The model draws inspiration from proven frameworks such as the Reading Buddies programme by Readers 2 Leaders, which pairs volunteers with young readers and offers all the needed training and support. In Nairobi, volunteers connected via NGOs and community organisations have begun implementing similar reading mentorship in under-resourced schools and informal settlements, supplementing efforts from school libraries and local literacy clubs.
Parents and educators have welcomed the initiative, noting that the extra support comes at a time when many children struggle with access to reading materials or lack encouragement outside the classroom. Having a caring adult read with me makes me feel more confident, said one pupil involved in the programme. Teachers say the Reading Buddies sessions help identify learners who need early interventions in reading and build a positive reading culture that extends beyond exam preparation.
Looking ahead, organisers are planning to scale up the initiative across more Nairobi schools. Partnerships with local volunteer groups, international literacy organisations, and school leadership teams are being explored to ensure sustainability. If successful, this Reading Buddies model could become a cornerstone of Nairobi’s broader strategy to nurture lifelong readers.