Posted by The African Library Project on Monday donated 1,016 books to Lesotho’s public library in the rural district of Qacha’s Nek, 360 km south of the capital of Maseru. The books, collected from American citizens, comprise novels for both adults and children.
The initiative that was piloted by Peace Corps Volunteer Megan Kelly in a response to the increasing demand for appropriate reading materials for children aged between three to 17 years old.
Librarian Remaketse Sehlabo said that the donation came after she asked for assistance from Peace Corps in the district, since there was shortage of reading materials in the library.
“Peace Corps Volunteers in Africa have a library action plan, which is a tool for starting or improving libraries in partnership with the African Library Project,†she added.
The library in Qacha’s Nek was established in November 2005 with the purpose of promoting a reading culture among the youth in the district, and to keep them informed on the latest information of various issues that affect their lives.
The African Library Project is a California-based private, nonprofit and charitable group operating internationally. Its mission is to create school libraries and community libraries in sub-Saharan Africa, primarily in Botswana and Lesotho.
The project accomplishes its objective by partnering with a variety of other United States organizations such as churches, schools, scout troops, youth groups and other civic organizations to run book drives and fund shipping costs.
It also partners with organizations in Africa to coordinate distribution of the books to their intended destinations. These partners include Peace Corps volunteers, education ministries and other non-governmental organizations.
Source African Press Agency
