LubutoArt Participants Paint Murals
This August, youth participating in our LubutoArts program at Ngwerere Lubuto Library were invited to Insaka Arts Center to receive a special three day workshop in painting murals. The workshop was sponsored by Triangle Arts Trust, and a visiting artist from the U.K, Lucy Stegalls, worked with the youth on technique and style. The workshop culminated in painting a group mural on an outdoor wall of the office of a local business, Pro Flight Zambia, symbolizing the business’ mission with some very beautiful birds! LubutoArts participants were incredibly excited about this workshop: working together on a single project brought out the best of the artistic talents that the LubutoArts program has helped them develop.
Career Guidance at Lubuto Libraries
This September the children at both Lubuto Libraries were visited by Dr Peter Julius, a medical doctor from the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Zambia. Dr. Julius visited the libraries at Fountain of Hope and Ngwerere during the weekly LubutoMentoring session to speak to participants about motivation and career development, advising the children to set goals now and to focus on them even while they are still young. Most importantly, Dr. Julius encouraged the children not to look down on themselves and that success is for anyone willing to work hard whether they come from a rich family or poor family: even Dr. Julius himself overcame a very difficult childhood to reach his goals. Mentoring sessions like these are a great way for the wider community to contribute to the Lubuto Libraries and for our children to see what possibilities lie ahead for them if they dream big!
Youth Outreach Discussion: Responsibility
As part of our community outreach program, Fountain of Hope Lubuto Library staff Kenny Hau and Brenda Mkandawire had a successful conversation on responsibility and reproductive health with 16 girls at Vision of Hope, a residential center for girls in crisis who have been living on the streets. Staff described the discipline and rewards that are part of being responsible adults, and a member of the audience spoke about her personal experience with teen pregnancy. Thanks to Lubuto Libraries’ community involvement, a wide range of girls were able to hear and participate in discussions about the decision-making skills and conscientiousness they will need as they grow into adults.
Meet the Lubuto community: Mishek
Mishek is 15 and came to stay at Fountain of Hope after living on the streets. He is waiting to find a sponsor so that he can continue his schooling in Grade 8. When he first arrived at Fountain of Hope, he visited the Lubuto Library every day and became a very trustworthy library supervisor. Despite a disability that hindered his ability to walk and fully participate in library activities, Mishek watched all the sessions and helped the library staff as much as he could. His confidence was really bolstered by reading to children in the library and helping to supervise programs. Mishek was the first boy at Lubuto Library to finish all 100 of the LubutoLiteracy lessons! Recently Mishek's health has not been very good and he has been unable to come to the library, or to collect his award for his literacy accomplishment. However, Mishek is slowly recovering from his illness and when the library staff visit him, he tells them that his aim is to come back to the library and continue where he left off.
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As a Sustaining Supporter, you will receive an email with each donation to keep you informed of Lubuto's latest developments, of which you are a key supporter. And as you know, this support gives thousands of children, who may otherwise never see the pages of a book, the opportunity to learn, communicate and grow in beautiful, safe and welcoming libraries, making a real and lasting difference in their lives. A modest donation charged to your credit card each month or quarter helps Lubuto tremendously.
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