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Celebrating inspiring literature and 20 years of LubutoOn October 17th we celebrated Lubuto’s 20th anniversary--a rare achievement for a grassroots organization--at the Zambian Embassy in Washington, DC. The event featured remarks from Ambassador Chibamba Kanyama, Lubuto Board member Ken Meyers and Bank of Zambia Governor Denny Kalyalya, and was emceed by Lubuto Board member Stephanie Rapp. The highlight of the evening was a discussion between Lubuto Founder and President Jane Kinney Meyers and Zambian author Iris Mwanza, a lawyer and former Deputy Director for Women in Leadership at the Gates Foundation. Iris shared her background of growing up in in a Zambian home that was filled with books and learning, the reason she is so drawn to supporting Lubuto’s work. Iris described her experience of discrimination in Zambia that drove a deep commitment to social justice and informed her debut novel the Lions' Den. Iris views her new role as author as a potentially more powerful force for change than her work at the Gates Foundation. We have no doubt that Grace, the Lions' Den protagonist, is inspiring many readers to be more compassionate, strong and brave. Iris told the scores of friends gathered to celebrate Lubuto's anniversary how much she loved the Lubuto library when she visited. The many teens who read her book shared their enthusiasm with their peers--it has become a "Lubuto bestseller." Your part in Lubuto's future "The children, teens and young mothers who are part of Lubuto’s community are desperate to learn and grow--each with their own needs and aspirations. Of course they can be the next generation of writers, engineers, scientists, video game designers, artists--and solid happy and productive contributors to society. And Lubuto is there to support them on that journey, opening the world to them with excellent collections of books and media, programs introducing them to literature, arts, drama and, even, football and making sure that those at the margins are included in the center of Lubuto’s community." - Ken Meyers, in his speech at the Zambian Embassy We believe that every child needs and deserves to have a rich internal life. We know that you share this understanding of the importance of reading great literature that we are supporting so successfully in our four libraries in Zambia. Lubuto libraries are more popular than ever; their use has grown to more than 6,000 visits per week. We need your help to continue developing the imaginations of young Zambians, to inspire them to slay dragons and move mountains--to dream big. Will you join us in this effort and give today?
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