By Helena Asamoah-Hassan | Project Leader
SOLWEZI PROVINCIAL LIBRARY, ZAMBIA IS NOW VISIBLE
Solwezi, the capital of Solwezi District in Zambia’s North-Western Province, has a population of 332,623 according to the 2022 census. The Solwezi Library was established decades ago to serve the entire district. However, the library has struggled to attract huge numbers of users within the user communities, despite the introduction of new services time and again. In recent years, the library has faced challenges in fully providing quality services to the community due to several factors, including insufficient computers, insufficient reading space, damaged library furniture, poor internet access, and poor functioning of e-library services. These have limited the library from realising its potential as a hub for information and socio-economic development and hindered people from accessing its resources.
Constance participated in INELI-SSAf (Cohort 2) and was exposed to different skill modules. Specifically, INELI-SSAf taught her how to effectively market the library services and advocate for its needs; build relationships with local and international organisations and stakeholders to enhance library services; and create and implement innovative library services that address local needs. The training also built her confidence and equipped her with skills and knowledge needed to provide solutions to the many challenges faced by her library and the community she serves in order to drive positive change.
With the skills acquired, she worked with her library team to develop outreach programs, introduce new library services such as baking lessons and financial literacy programs and created partnerships that have benefited the library and its users.
These actions made the Company, Kansanshi Mine Plc, to see the Library as a viable place to invest in. The library underwent a facelift which included, among others, new library furniture for all sections, outdoor spaces and offices, solar-powered connection to ensure that the library had a constant power supply, a well-furnished computer room with 25 computers, free internet connectivity for an initial two years, and a children's play park, all through the Company’s investment.
The library’s continuous engagement with Kansanshi Mine Plc in programs made the Company see the need to offer support to turn our library into what it is today - a vibrant hub for information, creation and recreation. Without INELI-SSAf, it would have been difficult for me to know why and how to engage with Kansanshi Mine PLC. Now, more members of our user communities visit our library with easy access to physical and digital resources, and there is adequate space within the library for various learning purposes.
Constance confidently says that “Now, I am fully equipped to continue advocating for my library, engage stakeholders and cultivate meaningful partnerships. Thank you, INELI-SSAf, for putting me on this innovative and successful road, which also gives me self-fulfilment in my career.”
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