Project Summary

Goals:

1. Improve literacy rates in the zone for pupils and adults
2. Facilitate professional development for teachers
3. Provide access to information for all community members
   

As part of our strategy to achieve these goals, our first task is to build a structure to serve as a resource center and zonal library. This building will provide a meeting space for zonal meetings and in-service trainings and also a secure place to store and organize books and other teaching and learning resources.

Currently, the Zonal Head School's capacity for storing resources is limited to two small offices, which restricts the number of resources and access to those resources. Limited space also means that meetings are often held outside or displace students from the classroom. Therefore, an additional structure is needed.

The construction of the ZRC and Library building will be achieved through a US Peace Corps proposal for private donations, in-kind donations from local Zambian companies, and community contribution. The community is contributing 25% of the total cost of the library through molding bricks out of river mud, burning bricks in kilns, collecting sand and stone for the concrete slab and mortar, and providing laborers to assist with construction. The committee is working within the local area to raise support to ensure the library project is successful and sustainable. Library books will be obtained through a donor organization once the building in complete.

The second task is to promote literacy and ensure the resources are utilized. This building will be a physical asset to the area but will also be used as a catalyst and tool for raising awareness about the importance of literacy and educational development. We want to acquire reading materials and resources but also make the resources accessible and useful through a properly organized and managed library system.