Our library is creating readers who become courageous leaders
Sisters Tracy and Early are making the most of Future Hope Africa's community library.
If you live near a library, you probably don’t think much of it. It’s different here.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a library can be something of an exotic find. “Oasis” would be a better description.
Future Hope Africa believes in the power of learning to unlock students’ potential. That’s why we host a library at our Kanega Center but also share books with local schools through a mobile library.
“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.”
The library isn’t free, but almost. A membership is $3 per year. We’ve found this helps people appreciate and use the books more (and return them). In addition, we use the funds to maintain our catalogue and expand it.
We recently heard from two sisters about the importance our library holds in their lives.
Early, a student in Bukavu, is a fan of Future Hope Africa's community library.
From Early
My name is Early. Personally, I love this library. Why? First, because there are tons of books – and not just any books. There are titles for girls and boys, children and adults.
I first visited the library because my father found we were addicted to television during summer vacation. He asked us to cultivate our minds instead. So we did. At the library, I expected to read encyclopedias, history books and geography, but was surprised. We were spoiled with choices between detective novels, autobiographies, romance, comics, biblical stories, math and French books – a real cave of Alibaba! There’s nothing else like this library in our community.
Oh, and then there’s the staff. When you arrive, you are welcomed as if you are entering your own home. I invite others to fill up on artistic expression, culture and ancient history at the Future Hope Africa library.
Five stars! We love it!
From Tracy
Hi, my name is Tracy. I didn’t use to like books – just TV. But I visited the library because a class required a presentation based on a book. There, my curiosity was awakened: Boom! I found a whole new world on those shelves.
The library inspires and includes everything you might desire: comics, science fiction, romantics, math and science, plus books for teenagers, children, girls, boys and adults.
I used to watch TV. Now when I'm bored, I read and it cultivates my intelligence and enriches my expression.
We invite you to support Future Hope Africa and our work to educate and empower children and families in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.