On 8th September 2025, the world marked International Literacy Day under the theme Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era.
In Kenya, despite significant progress, adult literacy rates still present challenges, particularly in rural areas where access to education and digital fluency can be limited. It is estimated that a substantial portion of the Kenyan adult population still lacks foundational literacy skills, impacting economic participation and social development.
Early in our operations, local youth joined as security guards. Many lacked basic literacy in Swahili or English. Recognising this gap, LTWP launched an adult and continuing education program in September 2023. For many, it was their first time holding a pencil. Today, they read, write, and apply these skills daily, including essential digital literacy.
The guards who went back to school
From the initial cohort of 70 guards, 17 recently completed the two-and-a-half-year course. 80% now listen to radio calls and help their children with homework. An award ceremony on September 24, 2025, will officially certify these 17 guards who excelled in national proficiency exams.
The journey presented challenges. Balancing security shifts with classes led to early attendance drops. However, instructors Raphael Lepulelei and Nicholas Ekitela persevered. They grouped learners by understanding their shifts and tailoring personalised lessons. Lepulelei recalls driving to the substation and accommodation camps to find students, using local dialects and relatable scenarios to teach.
Andrea Leleshep, a student, describes the program as life changing. Initially embarrassed, he struggled to hold a pencil. “Now I can read number plates and write text messages. That excites me most, because reading was my dream,” he shares, highlighting his newfound digital communication skills.
Beyond basic literacy
This program aligns with Kenya’s Ministry of Education goals to eradicate illiteracy and build essential lifelong learning skills. Flexible schedules (morning, afternoon, and evening) accommodated guard shifts. The learner-centred approach covered numeracy for everyday calculations, Kiswahili and English proficiency, improvised security learning, and crucial technology skills in reading number plates and using mobile phones.
Marsabit County Director of Education, Mr. Qalicha Boru, witnessed the final proficiency exams, commending the guards’ sustained effort and commitment. Lepulelei thanked LTWP for facilitating this program, offering young adults an opportunity to enlighten themselves. LTWP provided books, writing materials, and a conducive environment. Graduates now show a keen interest in their children’s education.
LTWP’s pioneering adult and continuing education stands as a testament to perseverance and tailored learning. By supporting our guards to achieve formal proficiency certification, we have not only equipped them with crucial literacy, numeracy, and technological skills but have also ignited a powerful passion for lifelong learning and fulfilled dreams once thought out of reach.
Our commitment is to empower and develop the local community by investing in enhanced workplace performance, contributing to Kenya’s national literacy goals, and the development of Marsabit County.
