Maarifa Center becomes an Oasis of knowledge.

By Bett Kipsang'

 During vacations, Ng’arua Maarifa centre is the place to be for university and college students. ‘‘With the necessary facilities and a conducive environment for reading, the centre is one of the best places to study’’ said Wilson Waweru Ndiritu 21, a second year student pursuing Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) at the University of Nairobi. Ndiritu is also studying for a Certified Public Accountants (C.P.A) course during his private time. Ndiritu is happy and feels lucky to have learned about Ng'arua Maarifa centre from friends two years ago.

Wilson Waweru Ndiritu (Front) studying at Maarifa centre with others 

‘‘I cannot imagine how I could be doing my studies without this centre! It is not always convenient for me to study at home as most of my notes are in soft copy and I must access a computer to read them’’ Said Ndiritu, adding that he has not managed to acquire his own Laptop. 

‘‘Information services at the centre have been very resourceful for my career and I have never had difficulties getting what I needed as the staff were always ready assist’’ he said.

According to Ndiritu, CPA is mandatory for one to become a certified public accountant, hence the need to study the course alongside Barchelor of Commerce. He however acknowledged that studying privately is quite a challenge, but he has seen many of his colleagues go through the course in a similar way and excelled. He has also done C.P.A sections one and two in the same way and passed very well. ‘‘I attribute my success in the first two sections to the Maarifa Centre especially during my long vacations’’ he said.

Ndiritu heaped praises at ALIN for setting up the Maarifa Centre, saying that it was very rare to find such a place offering free library and internet services. ‘‘I wish ALIN could grow very big so that it can continue to support the Kenya Vision 2030’’ Ndiritu said happily. 

He commended the set up of the Maarifa Centre saying that it was also convenient for people who had their own laptops. Ndiritu had a few recommendations to make owing to the high turnout of users; he suggest for the Maarifa Centre to be equipped with more computers and books to serve more diverse needs.