A couple of weekends ago we celebrated the finale of the LubutoMentoring programme. All of the 120+ kids who have been involved were invited to an event where they gave us some evaluative feedback on the programme, and received awards and certificates to help them celebrate their success.
Read MoreA little while ago my counterpart Kasela and I were invited to attend a 3-day workshop on Helping Grieving Children at Fountain of Hope. It was a really interesting course and we learnt a lot about the different kinds of grief that the kids we encounter...
Read MoreOctober 24th was Independence Day in Zambia. It was a Bank Holiday, but some of the boys at Fountain of Hope asked me if I would still come to see them – and how could I refuse? I would have missed them too much if I had sat at home all day on my own anyway!
Read MoreOn 24th September, Fountain of Hope was privileged to receive a visit from Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, the Princess Royal. As part of the visit, she came into the Library (I was told in advance that I would have 4 minutes to give her a tour...
Read MoreLast week it was Zambia Literacy Week and we at the Lubuto Library Project were very busy doing things to celebrate! First, we took LubutoStorytime out on the streets with the outreach team to share reading with the most vulnerable youth.
Read MoreThe LubutoMentoring sessions are now in full swing, and the whole experience continues to be an education for me (and not only in terms of learning the differences between the way that Zambians and Brits organise such events!).
Read MoreWe've been very busy at the Lubuto Library Project recently. We are re-launching the LubutoMentoring programme, and have held introductory meetings for all of the 120+ kids who want to be involved
Read MoreI'd like to tell you about Blessing.* Blessing arrived at Fountain of Hope a couple of months ago. He said that he was 15 years old but he doesn't look more than 12 or 13, and we think he may not know how old he is.
Read More23rd June Today marks the 4 month anniversary of my first ever visit to the Lubuto Library at Fountain of Hope. Doesn't time fly?
Read MoreWe currently have two students from UNZA (The University of Zambia Department of Library Studies) on attachment (work experience) in the Lubuto Library at Fountain of Hope.
Read MoreTwo really good things have happened this week, and both are a result of the flexible library space that we enjoy here at Lubuto.First, I have started to do some LubutoStorytimes outside.
Read MoreI've been feeling a little bit strange this last week or so. I'm not sure why - partly I think it is because I hit the 3 month wall and we have all been told that the 3-4 months mark is often a bit difficult.
Read MoreThis week the school term starts again so the library is getting busier. Some of my little friends from last term have reappeared which is good, and one little girl was following me everywhere the other day - even to the loo!
Read MoreThis week has been very busy - the whirlwind of meetings for the Lubuto Library Project has continued as Jane Meyers is only in Zambia until next Thursday. It's been hectic but I think the highlights of the week were lunch at the Alliance Français with Mulenga Kapwepwe
Read MoreIt's been an exciting if intense couple of weeks for Lubuto Library Project, as we have seen the arrivals of both Stacy Lagner and Jane Meyers in Lusaka.
Read MoreIn the last week I have been on 2 street walks, to meet some of the kids who live/work on the street and see how the mentors carry out outreach for FoH and Lubuto Libraries.
Read MoreThis week has seen me attending two really interesting meetings. At the weekend I was involved in a strategic planning workshop at Fountain of Hope. Well, I say involved - I didn't really contribute anything as I didn't feel that I knew enough about the organisation to do so.
Read MoreThis week I was taken on my 'walkabout' in the local compound, to see where the majority of kids who use the library come from. The best way I can describe it is to say that it is like those films you see on TV where a celebrity goes to a 'slum' somewhere in Africa...
Read MoreThis week at work has been really good although there has been a lot to take in. The kids at Fountain of Hope are really starting to trust me (I think). I know this for two reasons...
Read MoreJust over a year ago, I saw an advert for a post as a VSO volunteer Trainer Librarian at the Lubuto Library Project in Lusaka. I jumped at the chance to apply, and after a lengthy but necessary application and training process, here I am.
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