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Objective  Support a community library in Kwekitui, Tanzania


Tags: books, children, education, library, literacy Edit Icon Edit

 
Under the Reading Tree believes literacy and access to information are essential tools for unlocking the imagination, for empowering the marginalized, and for bringing about broader social change in East Africa - one community at a time.

In our efforts to promote literacy in places without access to books and other resources, this fundraising page is collecting donations to support our newest project in the village of Kwekitui, Tanzania.

Kwekitui Community Library was established two years ago through the efforts of Sarah Switzer, a Trinity Western University student who visited the village's primary school and noticed how few books were available for students. With the help of African Community Technical Service (ACTS), she formed a partnership with Tanga Youth Development Association (TAYODEA) to build the library and purchase an initial collection of books.

Here's a five-minute video clip showing the construction of the library and the enthusiasm of the community in helping out:



With an average of over 100 readers per day, the library has made great strides toward improved literacy in the village. Students from the nearby primary school have seen a marked improvement in their grades, and adults (including elders) are regular visitors as well.
To paint a picture of just how valuable this library is for the area, high school students from a village down the road will walk almost two hours to study and read.

Rogers, Kwekitui's dedicated and hard-working librarian, has been without a salary, receiving only a small stipend each month to cover basic living costs. At TYODEA and Sarah's request, UTRT has agreed to 'adopt' Kwekitui and support its already successful programs with regular funding.

Our original fundraising goal of $4,000 for Kwekitui has been met!

Any additional donations to this Project page will be directed where they are needed most. If you would like to support UTRT's ongoing work in East Africa, click on 'Donate Now' to make your contribution.

100% of your donation will go directly to supporting UTRT's work, as we are run by a volunteer Board of Directors. Canadian donors will receive a tax receipt.

Neither UTRT nor GiveMeaning will contact you without your consent, and you can come back to this page to see reports on how your contribution is making a difference in Kwekitui.

Click here to read more about our library projects in East Africa or to contact us directly.
 
 
 

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