I have a special affection for Africa from the time I first went in 1980. My affection grew each time I went back over the next 40 years. Over the years, I have met many Africans who work tirelessly to improve the lives of the people in their country. A little can go along way in helping someone to be successful.
I became involved with Lubuto Library Partners, first as a donor and now as a Board member, because I felt that the programs and activities it supported could really make a difference in the lives of children and adolescents in Zambia. While there are libraries in Zambia, they serve mostly as storehouses for books, even those libraries that are school-based. Lubuto libraries are unique in that they are open to all children, and proactively reach out to highly-vulnerable children and youth, including out-of-school children, street children, adolescent mothers, children with disabilities, and other stigmatized or marginalized groups.
Lubuto Library Partners also develops programs to serve the social needs of these children and adolescents to maximize the impact the libraries have. A twice-weekly Zambian Sign Language program have reached over 800 children and youth, both deaf and hearing. LLP has provided school scholarships to keep highly-vulnerable children and youth in school. Scholarships are guaranteed from the point of enrollment through graduation, and include tuition, uniforms, shoes, bags, school supplies, exam fees, and feminine hygiene products. All of the children and youth offered on-site HIV testing at Lubuto Libraries during a two-year US government grant (PEPFAR DREAMS) went for testing and counseling. The Lubuto libraries serve as community hubs that offer referrals for education, psychosocial support, child protection, post-gender-based-violence care, and health services. A recently funded grant to address child marriage supported The Girls Can Code! residential technology camp. Girls learned computational logic, developed problem-solving and creative technical thinking skills, and built life skills such as leadership and teamwork through an immersive, hands-on week of technology training. See how Lubuto Library Partners offer a window to the world for these children through their own voices at https://www.lubuto.org/voices.
Want to join me in supporting this great cause? I'm raising money for Lubuto Library Partners and your contribution can make an important impact. Whether you donate $5 or $500, every little bit helps. If you are able to become a sustaining donor, your recurring donations will help Lubuto Library Partners to continue and expand access to these services and programs to Zambian children.
You can learn more about Lubuto Library Partners in Zambia at https://www.lubuto.org. You will find a link for donations on the website at https://www.lubuto.org/donate or make your donation as a regular check or debit from your bank account.
Thanks for reading and supporting Lubuto!