Girl, 9, makes mats for cash and helps others

Abigael Mumo, 9, has astonished her parents and teachers with her ability to sew mats for cash in Yatta, Machakos.

How did Grade 3 pupil at Kaluluini Primary School learn her skill?

She read a book, actually, she only flipped through it at a store, while schools were closed during the Covid pandemic.

And what will she do with her mats?

Sell them and give the cash to help needy people and orphans.

Speaking to the Star on Monday, Abigael Mumo said she read the book titled Mwana Sayansi at a nearby bookstore in Matuu town.

It was on display, so she could only flip through it. "I didn't have much time to read it all," she said.

Mumo’s parents said they were surprised when she asked for materials and tools to make the mats, which came out perfectly.

Her mother, Rose, is a hairdresser and her father, John Kialo, is a pastor.

“I am passionate about helping the destitute and I will sell the mats so that I support orphans and vulnerable children through their education,” Mumo said.

The girl decorated the first floor mat she made and gifted her father.

Mumo is now training other children to make mats.

The mats cost Sh500 to Sh1,200, depending on the size. She can make five mats in two weeks.

The girl aspires to be a teacher but still wishes to stick to business trading in mats and other waters.

Her best subject is English, though she is talented in creative arts under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Her mother, Rose, said Mumu is different from her other six siblings; she she is the youngest.

Kyalo said her daughter is well composed, organised, creative and focused.

She likes helping not only her elder siblings but also other children from the village and schoolmates.

“When schools closed due to Covid-19 early last year, Mumo said she won’t be idle. She started collecting used sacks and used them to make mats,” the mother said.

The parents said CBC has benefited their children and they need to be encouraged to practice what they learn in school.

They also urged other children to apply their skills in real-life situations, to earn a livelihood or support the less privileged.

CBC emphasises a learner's unique talents and abilities rather than focusing wholly on academics and exam performances.

Edited by Kiilu Damaris