Construction Begins!
Excavations are being completed and we have begun to build foundations for the buildings. The Mumuni Library, the third Lubuto Library in Zambia and the first in a rural area, will also be the largest. The community people in Nabukuyu and Matantala (our hosting organization) believe that the Mumuni Library, while focusing on children, will become the main centre for the whole community to meet and interact, and will also attract services and other economic activity to the adjacent area. The community wanted an additional building to accommodate desired programs and demand, and they mobilized donations of cement that would allow us to build the additional structure within our budget, so this new library will be comprised of four buildings. This building will be designed and equipped to serve the teenage population among the users of the Mumuni Library.
Voices of Lubuto
Here is what some of our young users have recently told us about our libraries:
* "The library is wonderful! It builds us! We learn in a nice place, a silent place with staff assisting us to read. We are mentored, we are taught how to sit and made [to] feel free and welcome." - Boy at Ngwerere, age 12
* When I think of the library I think of a good place. It has taught me love, responsibility, faith, giving and the need to respect others and myself." - Girl at Ngwerere, age 10
* When I come to the library I feel like I am coming to a place that is safe, important, no disturbance, no noise, no bullying, no fights…I am a member here." - Boy at Fountain of Hope, age 11
Learning from Artists
This month our LubutoArts program participants were exposed once again to professional artists in Zambia. Different artists, including Chande Kapundu, exhibited their art at Lusaka's Henry Tayali Gallery and LubutoArts was invited to see the exhibition. Our artists were really amazed by the art on display and asked many questions: How long did it take the artists to complete their art? How much would they sell it for? What inspired a particular artwork? What techniques and media did they use to paint? One of our aspiring artists, Lackson, aged 7, was able to draw with Chande using materials and media he'd never used before. Lackson was inspired to keep working on his art and become a professional artist like Chande one day!
Lubuto by the Numbers
70% of Zambia's population is children and youth. Lubuto aims to reach as many of those young people as possible, especially the most vulnerable. In 2012:
* 95,000: The number of visits the two Lubuto Libraries received
* 8,000: Number of new visitors to our libraries, with girls leading the pack
* 983: Number of children and youth who participated in at least one of our LubutoArts, LubutoDrama and LubutoMentoring programs
And our data for 2013 indicates that we are on track for a similarly high number of visits again this year. Think how many our libraries will reach after our third library is opens in 2014!
Please join us as a sustaining supporter
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.
Click here to make a difference every month.
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