Building a more just and inclusive world

"And in Zambia, where I'll be traveling at the end of this month, last year's elections saw an unprecedented turnout, especially of first-time voters, women, and young people, ushering in an opposition candidate, Hakainde Hichilema, who had been detained 15 times... and who pledged to reverse years of democratic backsliding, to fight corruption, and to counter inequality. Upon taking office, President Hichilema moved swiftly to fight COVID-19, address human trafficking, expand freedom for the press, end arbitrary detentions, and increase women's economic empowerment. Not only are we working to help his government enlarge civic space and strengthen free speech in the country, we're also supporting them as they decentralize procurement to local, accountable actors... ."
-Samantha Power, Administrator of USAID

In her June 7, 2022 remarks "A Global Revolution of Dignity" at the National Press Club, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power called on supporters of democracy worldwide to unite and forge a freer world. Many of the youth who come to Lubuto Libraries were also part of this movement to take charge and help change the world.

Lubuto has formed strong bonds through partnerships with the United States around our shared values—particularly in promoting inclusion, volunteerism and democracy. Over the years, we have partnered with USAID, PEPFAR, All Children Reading and the U.S. Embassy in Zambia.



"The concept of Lubuto Libraries includes the same standards of the library services for children in the United States, and reflects the American tradition of free access to information and learning. Libraries in America have, for generations, been sacred places where people from all backgrounds can gather an improve themselves. Likewise, beginning here in Zambia, Lubuto Libraries will provide an opening into the world, making available education and information and, most importantly, giving children hope by offering them a window from which to look at the great big world outside."
-U.S. Ambassador Carmen Martinez, 2006

Several U.S. Ambassadors have visited Lubuto Libraries, attended events and officiated at openings, with many praising the impact the open access libraries and programs have made and will make in growing dignity, imagination and resilience in the communities they serve.

Recently our relationship with the U.S. Embassy has been formalized and fortified even further. We received both public diplomacy and PEPFAR grants from the Embassy. Lubuto has additionally been entrusted by the U.S. Embassy with managing the flow of operational funds for American Corners in Zambia. We are gratified by the Embassy's recognition of our accomplished staff—including our Director of Operations, Hadassah Kasukumya, who has risen through Lubuto's ranks to become a strong and effective leader.

We look forward to partnering with the U.S. Embassy on an event about the book Walking the Bowl: A True Story of Murder and Survival Among the Street Children of Lusaka by Chris Lockhart and Daniel Mulilo Chama. The book takes a close look at the lives of Zambian street children and shows how important it is to fight for the rights and livelihoods of all children.
 
 
 
 

A Model Rural Library



The libraries in the Lubuto network are supported by USAID's American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) Initiative, which funds construction and renovation, and purchase of durable commodities—enabling us to purchase entire collections of books and technology.

ASHA Program Analyst Lauren Chitty has noted why ASHA supports Lubuto's work:

"Lubuto Libraries are a shining example of American innovations and best practices in librarianship and increasing Zambian understanding of American values such as free and open access to information, gender equity and youth empowerment, civic engagement, inclusivity and the building of a resilient civil society. ASHA is pleased and proud to partner with Lubuto Libraries, and have been actively doing so since 2014."

We are excited to be in final negotiations for an ASHA grant that will transform the Mumuni Nabukuyu Library into a Model Rural Library. We will share more about the project soon!
 
 
 
 

Support Lubuto while you shop


Did you know that you can support us with every purchase you make on Amazon? Please go to https://smile.amazon.com/ and select Lubuto Library Partners as your charity. It doesn't cost you anything, but Amazon will donate part of the profits to Lubuto!