I don’t remember anyone ever teaching me the concept of a library. Our family packed up and went over to KDL nearly every week and I took for granted what a pleasure that was.
Chikumbuso received a huge donation of books from a school in the States that outfitted their new library. It is the first and only library in the N’gombe compound.
We talked to the librarian a lot about her experience going to school in Lusaka. She told me that she didn’t know what a library was until she was in 11th grade. She is a college educated woman. When she continued on to university she went with friends to the Russian Library in Lusaka just to study but they weren’t able to read any of the books in the other language. Now she is in charge of checking in and out the books. She knows every kid at the school and greets them, “Hello my friend!”
USAID donated the tables in this picture but the library has no seating. Anna and I hope to organize a partnership with our elementary schools to get the money needed to buy chairs, floor mats, or bean bags. The kids are so excited about their new library but it could be a lot more accommodating.
We categorized all of the books by subject matter and grade level. We marked them on the inside cover so that they can stay orderly even after we are gone. It was very fun seeing some old favorites like “Good Night Moon” and the Henry and Mudge series.
And we finished! After several hours of sorting and shelving, everything is now in order! We look forward to helping improve the library and see the kids’ enjoyment.
Two boys came in and started looking at a book about America. I showed them where I live and go to school on the map. They thought it was very funny that Michigan looks like a mitten! I began explaining the Great Lakes by saying, “you know how the ocean is salty?” and they stopped me in my tracks by replying, “no.” I then started to realize the magnitude of the disconnect with the rest of the continent and the world. They hung out with me for nearly an hour talking about all of the things they have wondered about the States. We talked about horses, hiking, snow, movies, Miami, and a bunch of other miscellaneous things they had heard about.
Next week I am going to start working with the Girl Scout group, organization of sponsorships, and starting to teach English lessons to the widows who make the bags at Chikumbuso.
Meredith Gremel
May 28, 2011 at 17:23
Great to see your LOVE of books is spreading across the globe! I recall sorting books with you many moons ago too.
Timing isn’t the best for setting up a partnership with local schools as they are about to recess for summer break, but we should definitely explore for fall. Also, I do know the CEO of the Girl Scouts Michigan Shore to Shore covering 30 counties and more than 17,000 scouts ages 5-17. Perhaps they could get involved with your school? Have you talked with Uncle David/Better World Books?
Dad, Bo and I are heading out in the microbus – hope to dodge more rain, listen to some good tunes, and recharge our batteries. Let’s try and skyp tomorrow or Sunday. We love you!!!