By Helga Mbodze,
Laughter, music, and the unmistakable energy of children filled the air at Ayani Primary School in Kibera on Thursday as the school opened doors to a new chapter with the launch of its new library.
Ahead of formal addresses, pupils took centre stage, welcoming guests with vibrant song and dance performances. Their excitement reflected the significance of the day, one that symbolised hope, growth, and new learning possibilities for the school community.
The library initiative was led by Study Perth in collaboration with Murdoch University, the University of Western Australia (UWA), and Daystar University. The project seeks to improve digital learning while providing learners in Africa with access to educational resources and safe, supportive study spaces.
Speaking during the launch, Conor Murphy, Murdoch University’s Regional Manager for Africa, said the initiative reflects a long-standing belief in education as a catalyst for opportunity. He noted that Murdoch University was founded on the principle that education should be accessible to anyone with the ability and aspiration to learn.
Murphy explained that the library was intentionally designed to be more than a physical facility. Instead, it is meant to serve as a pathway to opportunity — one that enables local children to access knowledge, develop skills, and build more secure futures.
Also present was Mary Richardson, a representative from the University of Western Australia, who expressed her delight in standing alongside Kenyan communities and Western Australian partners to support children’s access to books and learning spaces. She described the project as one rooted in dignity and opportunity, adding that it equips young people with the tools they need to succeed in school and imagine bigger futures.
The event was further graced by Chris Andell from the Australian High Commission in Nairobi, who noted that the project represents a shared commitment to education between Kenya and Australia. He said the collaboration brings the two countries together in a meaningful way, creating joy for the community while positively impacting students’ learning journeys.
Also in attendance was Dr. Anne Anjao, Head of Department at the School of Communication, Daystar University, alongside the principal of Ayani Primary School. Speakers emphasized the importance of partnerships in strengthening literacy and creating supportive learning environments for pupils.
Beyond the school grounds, the launch carried broader significance. It coincided with the
six-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kenya and Australia, a milestone
marked in Nairobi and Canberra and increasingly reflected through growing cooperation in
education, innovation, and people-to-people connections.
The ceremony wrapped-up with a tree-planting exercise, symbolizing growth, sustainability, and the lasting impact of investing in education for future generations.