DRC: SCHOOLS NEED A SCHOOL LIBRARY IN SOUTH-KIVU

1. Background and Rationale

The city of Bukavu, with an estimated population of 1.5 million, has no public library. This situation severely limits access to books, especially for children and young people living in the city’s peripheral neighborhoods.
Within schools, the reality is equally alarming: school libraries are either nonexistent or inactive, books are scarce, and reading is rarely encouraged. Families also lack access to cultural or educational activities related to books.

In response to this challenge, a collective discussion was initiated to create a school library that can welcome students from an early age, foster a love of reading, and support their educational journey.

2. Overall Objective

To strengthen access to reading and knowledge for children and young people in Bukavu by establishing a sustainable, inclusive school library accessible to peripheral schools.

3. Specific Objectives

• Provide free access to books for approximately 10 peripheral schools in Bukavu.
• Encourage reading from an early age through regular book-related activities.
• Support teachers in the educational use of the library.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and educational space for children and families.

4. Beneficiaries

• Students from 10 peripheral schools in the city of Bukavu.
• Teachers, who will benefit from pedagogical support.
• Families, involved in the life and sustainability of the library.

5. Key Planned Activities

• Establishment and equipment of a school library.
• Organization of daily book mediation and reading activities.
• Supervision of students by a dedicated team.
• Awareness-raising among parents and schools on the importance of reading.
• Continuous support for teachers to promote the use of the library.

6. Project Sustainability

Sustainability is based on close collaboration between schools, parents, and the project team. Schools, with the support of families, will gradually contribute to renewing the book collection and maintaining the structure.
Our organization will continue to support and guide teachers to ensure that the library remains a dynamic, useful, and relevant educational tool.

7. Budget and Project Status

• Total project budget: USD 10,000
• Funds raised to date: USD 141
• Fundraising partner: GlobalGiving

Thanks to the collaboration with GlobalGiving and the ongoing mobilization of donors, we are confident that the fundraising goal will be achieved.

8. Current Phase and Timeline

The project is currently in the phase of identifying trainers and learners.
The official launch of activities is scheduled for November 2025.

9. Call to Donors

We sincerely call upon all individuals of goodwill, partners, and supporters of education to contribute to this meaningful initiative. Your support can change the lives of thousands of children in Bukavu.
Every contribution, no matter how small, brings a child closer to a book, a dream, and a brighter future. This is a high-impact educational project that cannot succeed without your solidarity.

10. Acknowledgments

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all donors who have already contributed to this project. Your trust and commitment are a powerful source of hope for the children of Bukavu.
Thanks to you and our collaboration with GlobalGiving, we are steadily moving toward the realization of this school library—a place of knowledge, encouragement, and new opportunities.

Thank you for believing in education and in the future of Bukavu’s children.