Community library makes a difference in Jinja

The sub-county of Mundondo, Jinja district, did not have a library or an internet centre, until Phoebe Education Fund for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (PEFO) non-governable organisation established one.

Justine Ajambo, the director of PEFO said the library was necessary because the community did not have any and most of the schools around did not have libraries.  Worse, still, none of our schools had computers. "The library therefore acts as a resource centre for the teachers and students," says Ajambo.

Older students reading text books

 
Nathan Sewaali, a librarian says the library provides the community with books.  "These are mainly used by teachers for research and students for revision," he says.  "Books are used by teachers from the surrounding schools for research and also making notes," he adds.

For the students that are far, Ssewaali says they always carry a mobile library to their schools so that they can study.  "We arrange with schools so that we provide the pupils with books," he adds.  "Usually we are in two schools per day to match up with the demand in the community. In a month, we go  there two times and we are able to cover ten schools."

 
Besides, the library has a book club whereby young readers come together to read new books and discuss them. "We are always divided into ten groups to discuss a book," Victoria Nangobi a student says.  "This helps to enjoy and understand the book further by dealing on themes and also learn new words."

Sewaali, a computer teacher says they also offer free computer lessons and internet services to those interested.

Unfortunately, Sewaali says the community has not fully utilised the computer services and internet services because of low levels of literacy.

 
"When you talk of internet and computer, most people in our community do not understand it ," Ssewali says, "It is only the students and a few learned people who come for services thus underutilising the resources."

Despite that, Sewaali has not lost hope and believes that the community will slowly catch up as they get used to the services.

What students say about the Library.

Sandra Mukisa, a student at Bujagali Forest High School says the library helped her learn how to use a computer. "Before the PEFO Library, I never knew how to type but now I know how to do it and to search the information from the internet," she said.

 
For Barbara Nabulumbo, also a student in the same school, the library helps her to keep in touch with friends in other schools through Facebook and email.

The library serves 11 primary schools and two secondary schools both in Budondo and Butagaya Sub-county. It is the first community library in those sub-counties.