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Newsletter #60 - December 2015
Click here for PDF version |
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| Groundbreaking for the Mthunzi Library! |
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“The Lubuto Mthunzi American Youth Library, funded by American Schools and Hospitals Abroad and U.S. citizen Judie Feedham, will offer new opportunities to the 20,000 youth in the communities surrounding the Mthunzi Center. It will be a place where children can improve their literacy, learn to use computers and other innovative technologies, and participate in a wide range of programs that foster creativity, self-expression, and children's rights.”-U.S. Ambassador H.E. Mr. Eric T. Schultz
On November 23rd we celebrated the start of construction for the fourth Lubuto library with a groundbreaking event. The library will be located in Lusaka West on the grounds of its host organization, the Mthunzi Centre, a key community resource organization that offers shelter, food, education, vocational training, sports and recreation and health services and counseling. The Lubuto Mthunzi American Youth Library is our first library funded by USAID’s American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) program. U.S. citizen Judie Feedham has provided the complementary financing that will bring the library facility to life.
Malama Mazaba, Director of the Mthunzi Centre, welcomed guests and served as the master of ceremonies for the event, and the special guest was Ambassador Eric Schultz. The Ambassador was pleased to note that the Mthunzi Library will create a stimulating, supportive and safe environment for children in need to reach their full potential, stating that “we have a shared vision where all children in Zambia realize their right to a quality education.”
The event featured other engaging speakers and Lubuto library supporters. Mr. Kamutumwa, Director of Teacher Education and Specialized Services (TESS), spoke on the impact that the library will have in Lusaka West, declaring that “Zambia’s social and intellectual development is dependent on the inclusion of all members of society.” Velenasi Musanji, President of the Library and Information Association Zambia (LIAZ), spoke of the importance of libraries for children in Zambia, asserting that “children who read become adults who think.” Lubuto Advisory Board member Mark O’Donnell outlined how the Lubuto model ensures community ownership of the libraries and thus effectively addresses community needs. Lubuto Training Librarian Elizabeth Giles shared a message from Jane Meyers discussing the role that public libraries can have in Zambia and thanking our supporters.
“Zambia's population is exploding—children and youth are already a high percentage of the overall population, and Zambia's future will only see that percentage grow. The need for library services for children and youth will be overwhelming, and Zambia will need as many of these open-access public libraries as possible.”-Advisory Board member Mark O’Donnell
Other prominent guests included Robinson Bwato of the Zambia Library Service (ZLS), Lubuto Advisory Board member Mulenga Kapwepwe, and USAID representatives Michael Yates and Yvonne Naluvwi-Chomba. Of course, Lubuto’s most honored guests are always the young people we serve, and more than 80 community children—who are very eager to use the new library and its resources—were present. A highlight of the event was traditional dance and drumming performances by Mthunzi children.
Capping off the ceremony, Ambassador Schultz broke ground for the library’s Reading Room—and other guests assisted the Ambassador with the shoveling (at which, it was noted, he was quite adept). He requested a tour of the Mthunzi Centre after the groundbreaking ceremony to learn more about what the organization does and the people it serves. Enthusiasm for the fourth Lubuto library is palpable, and Lubuto, Mthunzi and the entire community are most grateful to ASHA and Judie Feedham.
“Public libraries in the United States provide people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities with unlimited possibilities. As community anchors, libraries touch people’s lives in profound ways and nurture the values that sustain a democratic nation. With ASHA’s support, this library will serve and transform a young Zambian population—with an inclusive focus on girls and those who are marginalized —spreading shared American and Zambian ideals and mutual understanding to tens of thousands of young people in the community, which will be multiplied through future generations.”- Jane Meyers
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| Our Check out our 2014 annual report! |
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2014 annual report focuses on the diverse partnerships that are largely responsible for our success—and will help ensure Lubuto’s sustainability and continued relevance. You can look through the report by clicking on this link.
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Volunteer of the Month
Our Volunteer of the Month is Curtis Rogers, the talented graphic designer who created our new logo, electronic graphics for the new website and communications materials—as well as the beautiful template for our 2014 annual report. |
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Copyright © 2015 Lubuto Library Partners, Inc.
The Lubuto Library Project is exempt from U.S. Federal income tax as a public charity
under Section 501(C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. |
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