Empowering Teachers, Transforming Classrooms: Teacher Joan’s Journey with NABU at Gramojoy Pre & Primary School

In the heart of Nairobi’s Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Teacher Joan Nyakango at Gramojoy Pre and Primary School used to take 20 minute treks each week to the MICATO AmericaShare Library, spending precious time to secure essential resources for her students. This journey took away from her teaching schedule and left students fatigued, limiting their engagement in learning.

Before NABU, Joan’s students struggled with language fluency, finding it challenging to express themselves in both English and Kiswahili, and often hesitated to participate in class. The introduction of NABU's digital library was transformative. Joan first heard about NABU from a fellow educator and Teach for Kenya alum, who had introduced the digital library in her own classroom with remarkable success.

Since joining the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, NABU has expanded access to mother-tongue storybooks in key markets like Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa, where culturally relevant content is making a profound impact on literacy. NABU’s work aligns closely with Mastercard Foundation’s commitment to educational equity, reshaping literacy outcomes for underserved children across Africa.

“NABU has transformed our classroom,” Joan shares. “It’s like having a library at our fingertips. The wide range of books, from local narratives to global stories, has ignited a newfound excitement for reading and sparked their imaginations.”

The impact of NABU extends beyond access to books. With training developed as part of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Cohort 2, in partnership with iHub, Joan has embraced new teaching methods, learning to conduct engaging read-aloud sessions that captivate her students and build essential literacy skills.

“The training unlocked the power of storytelling for me,” Joan reflects. “With NABU’s resources, I can now create interactive lessons that make learning enjoyable and effective.”

The results are clear. Joan’s students are not only reading more but also writing better, speaking up with greater confidence, and showing notable improvement in their academic performance. Early reports from NABU indicate similar engagement gains in schools across Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, showcasing the significant impact of mother-tongue content on literacy development.

NABU is more than a digital library; it’s a catalyst for educational transformation. By providing teachers like Joan with the tools and culturally relevant resources they need, NABU is empowering educators to shape a brighter future for learners across Africa. With Mastercard Foundation’s support, NABU continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact, creating inclusive and accessible learning experiences for all children.

Watch Teacher Joan here!