Lubuto Mthunzi American Youth Library

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Mthunzi is the first Lubuto Library supported by USAID's American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) program. Co-funding for the library was generously provided by U.S. citizen Judie Feedham. ASHA supports construction and purchase of commodities for U.S. organizations operating overseas that demonstrate the leadership, innovations and best practices of the United States in health and education.

The ASHA grant provided complete funding for the construction of the library, including a solar power installation, as well as funding to purchase a carefully-planned core book collection. Judie Feedham's co-funding supported all of the other costs—primarily personnel—associated with establishing this library.

Thanks to the generosity of the American people, this new Lubuto Library will bring joy, enrichment and enlightenment to thousands more Zambian children—particularly the most vulnerable.

The library was constructed 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. Lubuto's relationship with Mthunzi dates back to 2006, when Lubuto President Jane Kinney Meyers began discussing the possibility of hosting a Lubuto library with Mthunzi Centre Director Malama Mazaba. This partnership builds on the key role Mthunzi plays in supporting vulnerable youth.

 VISIT MTHUNZI!

 

Mthunzi Library

 Fernigrove, Kasupe Rd
 Opposite Rivonia, Off Mungwi Rd
 Lusaka West, Zambia

 Directions from Lusaka City Centre:

  1. Drive North on Lumumba Rd.

  2. At Barloworld, turn left onto Mungwi Rd.

  3. Drive on Mungwi Rd. for approx. 5.3km to Sikale past Zambian Breweries and Zambeef store

  4. At Sikale Wood Manufacturers turn right

  5. After 5.4km, find sign for Mthunzi Centre on left side

All roads are tarred until Mthunzi sign- 400m gravel

 

Opening Celebration

U.S. AMBASSADOR SCHULTZ OPENS FIRST ASHA-FUNDED LUBUTO LIBRARY, JUNE 8, 2017

This library is...a visible symbol of the partnership that exists between the American people and the Zambian people.
U.S. Ambassador to Zambia H.E. Eric Schultz

In the time ahead, you will be able to find out for yourselves why this library is your special place. It is a safe place that is open to all of the children and youth in this community. A place where you all belong. If you have siblings or friends who are deaf or blind, this library is also for them.
Jane Kinney Meyers

U.S. Ambassador H.E. Eric Schultz and Judie Feedham's family, joined by our honored guests

U.S. Ambassador H.E. Eric Schultz and Judie Feedham's family, joined by our honored guests

Opening Ceremony Speeches

The opening celebration began with a performance of Zambia's National Anthem by Mthunzi children. Master of Ceremonies Mark O'Donnell welcomed all of the guests and explained why he supports Lubuto's important work as a member of the Advisory Board.

Explaining that the aim of the Mthunzi Centre is to "give power to children so they can have a better future," centre Director Malama Mazaba asserted that this library is for all children, and asked the children of the community to "spread the word."

Flanked by her daughters, Judie Feedham also explained why she and her family are a part of Lubuto's work to make libraries that change children's lives. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Flanked by her daughters, Judie Feedham also explained why she and her family are a part of Lubuto's work to make libraries that change children's lives.

Jane Meyers' opening declaration Imiti iikula, e mpanga! ("growing trees make a forest") delighted the crowd.

Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ) President Velenasi Munsanje—representing LIAZ as well as Dr. John Tsebe, President of the African Library and Information Association, who was not able to attend—spoke on Lubuto's important role in education and literacy

 

 

 

 

U.S. Ambassador H.E. Eric Schultz shared that Jane Meyers first introduced him to Zambia several years ago and gave an eloquent speech about America's relationship with Zambia and the importance of Mthunzi Library for education

Advisory Board member Mr. Mark Chona, who has been a key advocate for Lubuto libraries since 2006, reminded the audience how important investment in good libraries is by saying, "if you think education is expensive, try ignorance."

As he introduced the guest of honor, Country Director Kasonde Mukonde said "we're here today to celebrate a place where children will be free to 'think left and think right.'" Ministry of General Education representative Mr. Jeremiah Mwamba proclaimed Mthunzi Library "...a major step towards attaining education for all."

The event included lively dance performances by the Mthunzi Cultural Group and an inspiring poetry performance by Girls Filled with Determination.