Woman Raised In Korogocho Starts Library To Offer Free Books To Kids After Winning KSh 10m Grant

• Sarah Achieng Bibo was raised in the Korogocho slums and watched her mother struggle to pay bills
• She earned a scholarship and returned to her community determined to change the narrative
• Despite having limited resources, she started a community library that now offers books to kids from needy homes

Born as the youngest child to Jane Bibo, a determined businesswoman in Kisumu, Sarah’s life was a tapestry woven with threads of struggle and triumph.

From a young age, Sarah was acutely aware of the hardships faced by her community as she watched her mother, Jane, work tirelessly to provide for the family.

She told TUKO.co.ke that their mother often sacrificed her own needs to ensure her children had a chance at a better life.

Inspired by her mother’s unwavering spirit, Sarah vowed to make a difference in the lives of those around her.

Her passion for education and community service blossomed as she grew older, and she excelled in her studies and earned a scholarship to pursue higher education.

Despite the challenges of balancing schoolwork and helping her mother with the family business, Sarah graduated with honours.

After graduating, she returned to her community with a heart full of dreams and a mind brimming with ideas.

Sarah’s first major initiative was founding a small community library in the Korogocho slums.

With limited resources, she transformed a tiny, dilapidated shack into a beacon of knowledge and hope.

The library quickly became a sanctuary for children eager to learn and escape the harsh realities of their environment.

Sarah’s dedication to education didn’t stop there; she also became a researcher with the Independent Negotiation and Evaluation Committee.

"I took up the chance because I wanted to use my skills to advocate for better policies and resources for my community," she explained.

But Sarah’s journey was far from easy as she faced numerous obstacles, from financial constraints to societal scepticism.

Many doubted her ability to effect change, but Sarah’s resolve only grew stronger.

She founded “Women in Action,” a community-based organization in Gem, Kisumu County, aimed at empowering women through education, vocational training, and support networks.

Her efforts extended to the streets of Nairobi, where she provided food carts to poor women, helping them gain financial independence.

Despite her many accomplishments, Sarah’s path was fraught with personal sacrifices, and she often went without basic necessities to ensure her projects thrived.

"There were nights I questioned my choices, wondering if my efforts were making a difference," she narrated.

Sarah won UN award for slum initiative

Whenever she saw a child’s face light up with the joy of learning or a woman standing tall with newfound confidence, she knew her struggles were worth it.

Sarah’s dedication and impact did not go unnoticed as she was honored with the United Nations Most Influential Woman in Community Award.

This recognition was a testament to her tireless efforts and the profound change she brought to her community.

Additionally, Sarah received a KSh 10 million grant from the AFRI-CAR Organization based in Canada.

She used this money to fund scholarships for children in various slums across Kenya, further cementing her legacy as a champion of education and empowerment.

Her unwavering commitment earned her the affectionate “Street Queen” title in Kibera, Mathare, and Korogocho.