The newsletter provides updates on the activities of Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL), a non-profit organization that supports libraries in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Uganda. FAVL works with local partners to develop literacy programs, provide library materials and training, and build libraries. Updates include FAVL supporting three libraries in Ghana with materials and repairs, the Community Libraries Association of Uganda distributing books and assisting various library programs, and FAVL's partner in Burkina Faso continuing to produce and distribute locally authored books to schools. The newsletter honors donors and late supporters of FAVL's mission.
FAVL supports libraries in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Uganda by providing books, funding literacy programs, and training library staff. Current fundraising priorities include building endowments for community libraries, renewing stocks of African authored books, and producing books in local languages. Updates are provided on activities at libraries in each country over the past year, including hosting reading competitions, refurbishing libraries damaged by storms, and distributing thousands of books.
FAVL was founded in 2001 to help establish and support village libraries in rural Africa. Since then, it has helped establish 38 libraries in Burkina Faso, 3 in Ghana, and 1 in Uganda. In the past year, FAVL partnered with other organizations to establish 2 new libraries in Burkina Faso. However, terrorism has led to the closure of 5 libraries in Burkina Faso and displacement of residents. FAVL continues its work of supporting existing libraries and establishing new ones to promote literacy, education, and community.
This document discusses initiatives by Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL) to promote reading in rural Burkina Faso by producing locally relevant reading materials. FAVL has experimented successfully with producing photo books using volunteers' photos on topics of local interest. These books are popular in community libraries. FAVL also established a small multimedia center to produce pamphlet-style books printed locally. The center encourages local authors and has produced its first series of 10 children's books. These initiatives aim to address the lack of reading materials for rural communities and promote reading by providing content that reflects local culture.
The newsletter provides updates on several initiatives of the Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL) organization. FAVL was able to purchase a popular graphic novel series called Aya of Yopougon for libraries in Burkina Faso thanks to donor support. FAVL also manages 18 libraries across 4 countries and supports an additional 64 libraries through partnerships. Current fundraising priorities include establishing endowments and renewing books stock for the libraries. Several library programs are highlighted, including successful reading camps in Burkina Faso, after-school programs improving student skills in Ghana, and a new library opening in Burkina Faso honoring a deceased Peace Corps volunteer.
The newsletter provides updates on the activities of Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL) in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Uganda over the past year. Key points include:
- FAVL now supports 34 libraries in Burkina Faso, 3 in Ghana, 1 in Uganda, and over 40 Ugandan member libraries.
- In Burkina Faso, 20 new libraries opened with a USDA grant and a librarian conference was held. Four books were published.
- In Ghana, after-school reading programs were held in all 3 libraries and 300 books were purchased.
- In Uganda, the library association conference was hosted in Kamuli.
- Activities included reading camps, book
This newsletter provides updates on the activities of Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL), a non-profit organization that supports libraries in Africa. It discusses how FAVL works with local partners to develop literacy programs and provide training for library staff in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Uganda. In the past few years, the COVID-19 pandemic and conflicts have negatively impacted many community libraries. The newsletter provides specific details on challenges faced by libraries in Burkina Faso due to civil conflict, as well as updates on activities of libraries supported by FAVL in Ghana and Uganda. It also recognizes donors and loved ones memorialized through gifts to FAVL.
The document discusses two initiatives by Friends of African Village Libraries to create locally produced reading materials for children in rural Burkina Faso. The first initiative involved creating photo books using photographs taken by volunteers in villages. Over 60 photo books on topics like local jobs, riddles, and stories were produced. The second initiative established a multimedia center in Houndé to produce pamphlet-style books written by local authors. Ten initial books were created on topics like dreams of going to school and the story of an orphan who succeeds. Both types of locally produced books have been widely read and generated interest among rural readers.
The Friends of African Village Libraries newsletter provides updates on their work in 2017 to support libraries in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Uganda. Key activities included holding conferences for librarians in Burkina Faso and Uganda, producing new books and materials for libraries, and hosting literacy programs. Donations helped fund priorities such as building endowments for libraries and acquiring additional books and materials in local languages.
FAVL supports libraries in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Uganda by providing books, funding literacy programs, and training library staff. Current fundraising priorities include building endowments for community libraries, renewing stocks of African authored books, and producing books in local languages. Updates are provided on activities at libraries in each country over the past year, including hosting reading competitions, refurbishing libraries damaged by storms, and distributing thousands of books.
FAVL was founded in 2001 to help establish and support village libraries in rural Africa. Since then, it has helped establish 38 libraries in Burkina Faso, 3 in Ghana, and 1 in Uganda. In the past year, FAVL partnered with other organizations to establish 2 new libraries in Burkina Faso. However, terrorism has led to the closure of 5 libraries in Burkina Faso and displacement of residents. FAVL continues its work of supporting existing libraries and establishing new ones to promote literacy, education, and community.
This document discusses initiatives by Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL) to promote reading in rural Burkina Faso by producing locally relevant reading materials. FAVL has experimented successfully with producing photo books using volunteers' photos on topics of local interest. These books are popular in community libraries. FAVL also established a small multimedia center to produce pamphlet-style books printed locally. The center encourages local authors and has produced its first series of 10 children's books. These initiatives aim to address the lack of reading materials for rural communities and promote reading by providing content that reflects local culture.
The newsletter provides updates on several initiatives of the Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL) organization. FAVL was able to purchase a popular graphic novel series called Aya of Yopougon for libraries in Burkina Faso thanks to donor support. FAVL also manages 18 libraries across 4 countries and supports an additional 64 libraries through partnerships. Current fundraising priorities include establishing endowments and renewing books stock for the libraries. Several library programs are highlighted, including successful reading camps in Burkina Faso, after-school programs improving student skills in Ghana, and a new library opening in Burkina Faso honoring a deceased Peace Corps volunteer.
The newsletter provides updates on the activities of Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL) in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Uganda over the past year. Key points include:
- FAVL now supports 34 libraries in Burkina Faso, 3 in Ghana, 1 in Uganda, and over 40 Ugandan member libraries.
- In Burkina Faso, 20 new libraries opened with a USDA grant and a librarian conference was held. Four books were published.
- In Ghana, after-school reading programs were held in all 3 libraries and 300 books were purchased.
- In Uganda, the library association conference was hosted in Kamuli.
- Activities included reading camps, book
This newsletter provides updates on the activities of Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL), a non-profit organization that supports libraries in Africa. It discusses how FAVL works with local partners to develop literacy programs and provide training for library staff in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Uganda. In the past few years, the COVID-19 pandemic and conflicts have negatively impacted many community libraries. The newsletter provides specific details on challenges faced by libraries in Burkina Faso due to civil conflict, as well as updates on activities of libraries supported by FAVL in Ghana and Uganda. It also recognizes donors and loved ones memorialized through gifts to FAVL.
The document discusses two initiatives by Friends of African Village Libraries to create locally produced reading materials for children in rural Burkina Faso. The first initiative involved creating photo books using photographs taken by volunteers in villages. Over 60 photo books on topics like local jobs, riddles, and stories were produced. The second initiative established a multimedia center in Houndé to produce pamphlet-style books written by local authors. Ten initial books were created on topics like dreams of going to school and the story of an orphan who succeeds. Both types of locally produced books have been widely read and generated interest among rural readers.
The Friends of African Village Libraries newsletter provides updates on their work in 2017 to support libraries in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Uganda. Key activities included holding conferences for librarians in Burkina Faso and Uganda, producing new books and materials for libraries, and hosting literacy programs. Donations helped fund priorities such as building endowments for libraries and acquiring additional books and materials in local languages.
FAVL's mission is to promote literacy in rural Africa. It supports libraries in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Uganda through developing literacy programs, library staff training, and fundraising for priorities like building endowments and stocking books. In 2017, FAVL held conferences for librarians, organized summer reading camps, and repainted and upgraded libraries. It also produced new books in local languages and received donations to continue its work promoting reading.
The document summarizes the activities and challenges of Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL) in supporting community libraries in Africa. It discusses that FAVL has helped establish 38 libraries in West and East Africa, but faces ongoing challenges including advocating for more government support, conducting research on the impact of libraries, and motivating and training village librarians with limited resources. It also provides updates on positive activities and developments at several FAVL-supported libraries.
The document summarizes the activities and challenges of Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL) in supporting community libraries in Africa. It discusses that FAVL has helped establish 38 libraries in West and East Africa, but faces ongoing challenges including advocating for more government support, conducting research on the impact of libraries, and motivating and training village librarians with limited resources. It also provides updates on positive activities and developments at several FAVL-supported libraries.
This newsletter provides updates on the activities of Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL), a non-profit organization that supports libraries in Africa. FAVL works with 18 libraries in 4 countries to develop literacy programs and provide training for library staff. Key updates include: a new coordinator for FAVL's Ghana libraries; expanded health camps in Ugandan libraries; a project to create 20 new libraries in Burkina Faso; and the production of 4 new children's books in local languages. FAVL is also working on a new library for the village of Sebba in Burkina Faso through fundraising efforts.
FAVL supports libraries in rural Africa through donations and volunteers. In 2020, they supported 38 libraries in Burkina Faso, 3 in Ghana, and the Kitengesa Community Library in Uganda. Updates included rebuilding a library in Ghana damaged by a storm, reopening libraries closed due to COVID-19 with safety measures, and producing locally authored books in Burkina Faso languages to promote literacy. FAVL also mourned the loss of supporters and librarians while continuing their mission to develop reading cultures and programs.
The Read-a-Thon fundraiser typically takes 4 weeks. In the first 2 weeks, students set reading goals and collect sponsorships. Week 3 is designated as reading week where students track reading minutes. In the 4th week, students collect donations from sponsors and submit them along with their time sheets. The funds raised will help provide books, libraries, and librarian salaries for communities in Africa that lack access to reading materials.
The Kitengesa Community Library in Uganda has grown substantially since starting with a box of 150 books nearly 15 years ago. It now has a three-room building, about 4,000 books, a computer center, and community hall. In addition to lending books, the library now offers adult literacy classes, scholarships for student volunteers, activities for school children, health reading camps, and programs for the deaf. The library has also spawned several social and economic activities for the community, including a tree planting project, a microfinance group for women, and a company that manufactures and sells reusable sanitary pads, employing 60 people. The library founder notes that the initial $100 investment has paid off tremendously in promoting literacy, raising
FAVL is committed to establishing and supporting small community libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa to increase access to reading materials. It works with villages to build and staff libraries, provides books and training, and ensures reporting. FAVL has established 14 libraries across 4 countries and supports the Uganda Community Library Association with over 60 member libraries. In 2009-2010, FAVL launched reading camps, opened 4 new libraries in Burkina Faso, received a grant to improve girl access, and increased UgCLA membership by 50%. It also supported various library conferences and launched a study abroad program where students publish culturally relevant books.
FAVL started with one small library in Burkina Faso and has since partnered with communities across Africa and supporters worldwide to help libraries grow. FAVL aims to develop a culture of reading by encouraging people to read for pleasure as well as purpose. FAVL trains and supports local librarians who serve their own communities and look for ways to improve local libraries by adding new books to attract, motivate, and satisfy readers of all types, including through popular summer reading camps that help children's reading, writing, and public speaking skills.
The annual report summarizes the activities of Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL) in 2009. FAVL established 13 libraries across Burkina Faso, Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda, serving over 135,000 visitors. Key accomplishments included two new libraries in Burkina Faso, increased support for the Uganda Community Library Association which grew to over 60 members, and launching the first Reading West Africa study abroad program in partnership with Santa Clara University.
The Namuwongo Community Library has had a successful first year of operation, with key achievements including high visitor numbers, employment of five staff who received training, valuable community participation, a partnership with the local government, and an increasing collection of books and services. Looking ahead, the library aims to continue developing programs, strengthening partnerships, and pursuing financial sustainability to support its vision of providing learning opportunities for all community members.
The summary provides an overview of the activities of the FAVL Multimedia Center in Houndé, Burkina Faso from October 2013 to April 2014. Key points include:
- Construction of the center was completed in October 2013 and equipment arrived in November.
- Six books were published in the Faso Bibliothèque series for children, printed locally.
- The center promoted local authorship and received 13 submissions from aspiring writers.
- Future plans include books for different age groups, in local languages, and organizing reading clubs.
The document summarizes Lavinia Gadsden's trip to Uganda and Rwanda from August 9-24, 2010 to visit various community libraries and organizations. It describes several small, grassroots libraries started by local communities throughout Uganda that are part of the Uganda Community Library Association, which has over 80 member libraries. It provides details about several specific libraries visited, the local leaders supporting them, and the programs and resources they offer. It also discusses two other organizations, Ready for Reading and Miracle Corners, that Gadsden visited in Rwanda.
Van vuuren communal reading as a way to foster a reading cultureFOTIM
This document discusses the One Book One Library project at the University of Johannesburg aimed at promoting a reading culture. It provides background on literacy and reading habits in South Africa. The project selects an annual book for all campus libraries to read, such as Three-Letter Plague in 2009 and Black Diamond in 2010. Activities include discussions, author visits, and marketing. Over 400 and 900 students participated respectively. While requiring a budget, the project is worthwhile in increasing knowledge and challenging stereotypes among student readers.
The document summarizes Lavinia Gadsden's trip to Uganda and Rwanda from August 9-24, 2010 to visit various community libraries and organizations. It describes several Ugandan community libraries started by local communities to provide books and reading materials for children and adults. It also mentions visiting libraries built by other non-profit organizations in Uganda and Rwanda, including the Ready for Reading library in Kigali, Rwanda and the Miracle Corners community center outside Kigali. The trip provided an opportunity to learn about different models of community libraries and organizations working to improve education in rural areas.
The PEFO Community Library in Jinja, Uganda provides reading spaces and library services for over 6 local schools and the surrounding community. It has a collection of over 10,000 items including books, computers, and toys. The library experiences high usage but faces challenges with limited space and need for a collection management system. Support from organizations like Book Aid International and Uganda Community Libraries Association have helped the library expand its collection and services. However, the single community library must serve a large population, and needs additional support and resources to continue meeting local needs.
My Keynote Speech at the 37th Congress of the International Board of Books for Young People (IBBY) in Russia
I debunked some myths about reading culture in Africa and presented the key pillars of the Children books industry. Explored the existing challenges, progress achieved so far and possibilities.
Also presented the work and impact of Muna Kalati, in advancing development and peace in Africa through Children books.
Heinrich Mann's quote about the importance of books is presented. The document then summarizes how Oklahoma libraries provide valuable resources and programs that promote literacy and learning for children. Libraries offer books, audio tapes, computers, storytimes, summer reading programs, and outreach through bookmobiles. They also provide volunteer opportunities to encourage community involvement among youth.
Library Observation Essay
Digital Libraries Essay
My Experience To The Library
Library Essay
Public Libraries Essay
Selection for Libraries Essay
Library Reflection
Friends of African Village Libraries had a successful 2010, supporting 15 libraries across 4 countries. They inaugurated two new libraries in Burkina Faso and implemented summer reading camps in Ghana and Burkina Faso. FAVL also continued their Reading West Africa program that brought students to Burkina Faso to produce reading materials. Key priorities for FAVL include building library endowments, hosting more reading camps, and producing materials in local languages.
FAVL's mission is to promote literacy in rural Africa. It supports libraries in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Uganda through developing literacy programs, library staff training, and fundraising for priorities like building endowments and stocking books. In 2017, FAVL held conferences for librarians, organized summer reading camps, and repainted and upgraded libraries. It also produced new books in local languages and received donations to continue its work promoting reading.
The document summarizes the activities and challenges of Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL) in supporting community libraries in Africa. It discusses that FAVL has helped establish 38 libraries in West and East Africa, but faces ongoing challenges including advocating for more government support, conducting research on the impact of libraries, and motivating and training village librarians with limited resources. It also provides updates on positive activities and developments at several FAVL-supported libraries.
The document summarizes the activities and challenges of Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL) in supporting community libraries in Africa. It discusses that FAVL has helped establish 38 libraries in West and East Africa, but faces ongoing challenges including advocating for more government support, conducting research on the impact of libraries, and motivating and training village librarians with limited resources. It also provides updates on positive activities and developments at several FAVL-supported libraries.
This newsletter provides updates on the activities of Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL), a non-profit organization that supports libraries in Africa. FAVL works with 18 libraries in 4 countries to develop literacy programs and provide training for library staff. Key updates include: a new coordinator for FAVL's Ghana libraries; expanded health camps in Ugandan libraries; a project to create 20 new libraries in Burkina Faso; and the production of 4 new children's books in local languages. FAVL is also working on a new library for the village of Sebba in Burkina Faso through fundraising efforts.
FAVL supports libraries in rural Africa through donations and volunteers. In 2020, they supported 38 libraries in Burkina Faso, 3 in Ghana, and the Kitengesa Community Library in Uganda. Updates included rebuilding a library in Ghana damaged by a storm, reopening libraries closed due to COVID-19 with safety measures, and producing locally authored books in Burkina Faso languages to promote literacy. FAVL also mourned the loss of supporters and librarians while continuing their mission to develop reading cultures and programs.
The Read-a-Thon fundraiser typically takes 4 weeks. In the first 2 weeks, students set reading goals and collect sponsorships. Week 3 is designated as reading week where students track reading minutes. In the 4th week, students collect donations from sponsors and submit them along with their time sheets. The funds raised will help provide books, libraries, and librarian salaries for communities in Africa that lack access to reading materials.
The Kitengesa Community Library in Uganda has grown substantially since starting with a box of 150 books nearly 15 years ago. It now has a three-room building, about 4,000 books, a computer center, and community hall. In addition to lending books, the library now offers adult literacy classes, scholarships for student volunteers, activities for school children, health reading camps, and programs for the deaf. The library has also spawned several social and economic activities for the community, including a tree planting project, a microfinance group for women, and a company that manufactures and sells reusable sanitary pads, employing 60 people. The library founder notes that the initial $100 investment has paid off tremendously in promoting literacy, raising
FAVL is committed to establishing and supporting small community libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa to increase access to reading materials. It works with villages to build and staff libraries, provides books and training, and ensures reporting. FAVL has established 14 libraries across 4 countries and supports the Uganda Community Library Association with over 60 member libraries. In 2009-2010, FAVL launched reading camps, opened 4 new libraries in Burkina Faso, received a grant to improve girl access, and increased UgCLA membership by 50%. It also supported various library conferences and launched a study abroad program where students publish culturally relevant books.
FAVL started with one small library in Burkina Faso and has since partnered with communities across Africa and supporters worldwide to help libraries grow. FAVL aims to develop a culture of reading by encouraging people to read for pleasure as well as purpose. FAVL trains and supports local librarians who serve their own communities and look for ways to improve local libraries by adding new books to attract, motivate, and satisfy readers of all types, including through popular summer reading camps that help children's reading, writing, and public speaking skills.
The annual report summarizes the activities of Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL) in 2009. FAVL established 13 libraries across Burkina Faso, Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda, serving over 135,000 visitors. Key accomplishments included two new libraries in Burkina Faso, increased support for the Uganda Community Library Association which grew to over 60 members, and launching the first Reading West Africa study abroad program in partnership with Santa Clara University.
The Namuwongo Community Library has had a successful first year of operation, with key achievements including high visitor numbers, employment of five staff who received training, valuable community participation, a partnership with the local government, and an increasing collection of books and services. Looking ahead, the library aims to continue developing programs, strengthening partnerships, and pursuing financial sustainability to support its vision of providing learning opportunities for all community members.
The summary provides an overview of the activities of the FAVL Multimedia Center in Houndé, Burkina Faso from October 2013 to April 2014. Key points include:
- Construction of the center was completed in October 2013 and equipment arrived in November.
- Six books were published in the Faso Bibliothèque series for children, printed locally.
- The center promoted local authorship and received 13 submissions from aspiring writers.
- Future plans include books for different age groups, in local languages, and organizing reading clubs.
The document summarizes Lavinia Gadsden's trip to Uganda and Rwanda from August 9-24, 2010 to visit various community libraries and organizations. It describes several small, grassroots libraries started by local communities throughout Uganda that are part of the Uganda Community Library Association, which has over 80 member libraries. It provides details about several specific libraries visited, the local leaders supporting them, and the programs and resources they offer. It also discusses two other organizations, Ready for Reading and Miracle Corners, that Gadsden visited in Rwanda.
Van vuuren communal reading as a way to foster a reading cultureFOTIM
This document discusses the One Book One Library project at the University of Johannesburg aimed at promoting a reading culture. It provides background on literacy and reading habits in South Africa. The project selects an annual book for all campus libraries to read, such as Three-Letter Plague in 2009 and Black Diamond in 2010. Activities include discussions, author visits, and marketing. Over 400 and 900 students participated respectively. While requiring a budget, the project is worthwhile in increasing knowledge and challenging stereotypes among student readers.
The document summarizes Lavinia Gadsden's trip to Uganda and Rwanda from August 9-24, 2010 to visit various community libraries and organizations. It describes several Ugandan community libraries started by local communities to provide books and reading materials for children and adults. It also mentions visiting libraries built by other non-profit organizations in Uganda and Rwanda, including the Ready for Reading library in Kigali, Rwanda and the Miracle Corners community center outside Kigali. The trip provided an opportunity to learn about different models of community libraries and organizations working to improve education in rural areas.
The PEFO Community Library in Jinja, Uganda provides reading spaces and library services for over 6 local schools and the surrounding community. It has a collection of over 10,000 items including books, computers, and toys. The library experiences high usage but faces challenges with limited space and need for a collection management system. Support from organizations like Book Aid International and Uganda Community Libraries Association have helped the library expand its collection and services. However, the single community library must serve a large population, and needs additional support and resources to continue meeting local needs.
My Keynote Speech at the 37th Congress of the International Board of Books for Young People (IBBY) in Russia
I debunked some myths about reading culture in Africa and presented the key pillars of the Children books industry. Explored the existing challenges, progress achieved so far and possibilities.
Also presented the work and impact of Muna Kalati, in advancing development and peace in Africa through Children books.
Heinrich Mann's quote about the importance of books is presented. The document then summarizes how Oklahoma libraries provide valuable resources and programs that promote literacy and learning for children. Libraries offer books, audio tapes, computers, storytimes, summer reading programs, and outreach through bookmobiles. They also provide volunteer opportunities to encourage community involvement among youth.
Library Observation Essay
Digital Libraries Essay
My Experience To The Library
Library Essay
Public Libraries Essay
Selection for Libraries Essay
Library Reflection
Friends of African Village Libraries had a successful 2010, supporting 15 libraries across 4 countries. They inaugurated two new libraries in Burkina Faso and implemented summer reading camps in Ghana and Burkina Faso. FAVL also continued their Reading West Africa program that brought students to Burkina Faso to produce reading materials. Key priorities for FAVL include building library endowments, hosting more reading camps, and producing materials in local languages.
The document summarizes a training report for the Uganda Community Knowledge Project (UCKP), which provided digital learning resources, tablets, and training to 5 community libraries in Uganda. Key points:
- UCKP is a 1-year pilot project funded by Book Aid International to provide digital resources and training to support reading and learning in underserved communities.
- Each library received a Remote Area Community Hotspot for Education and Learning device, tablets loaded with e-books, storage safes and other materials to support activities.
- A 3-day training was conducted for 2 representatives from each library on using the devices and resources, data collection, child safety, and monitoring and evaluation.
- Challen
The monthly report from the Bolga-Sherigu Community Library in July 2023 saw high patronage, especially at night. Popular activities included group readings, individual reading, games, and students preparing for exams. A fan and lightbulbs were replaced. Visitors included the library coordinator who monitored the space. Overall, it was an encouraging month for the library.
The Monica Memorial Resource Center launched mobile reading parks in 3 villages - Asava, Awindiri and Oleva - with support from Book Aid International. They hope to extend their mobile library services beyond these 3 villages. The center thanked mobile bike library operators Munguchi and Nyeria for taking books to communities.
The document is an IRS Form 990 for the organization Friends of African Village Libraries. Some key details:
- The organization's mission is to establish and support rural village libraries and promote reading programs in African countries.
- In 2022, the organization had gross receipts of $80,004 and total expenses of $73,617.
- The organization's three largest program services were supporting community libraries in northern Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Uganda with books, librarian salaries, training, operating expenses, and programs.
This presentation was provided by Racquel Jemison, Ph.D., Christina MacLaughlin, Ph.D., and Paulomi Majumder. Ph.D., all of the American Chemical Society, for the second session of NISO's 2024 Training Series "DEIA in the Scholarly Landscape." Session Two: 'Expanding Pathways to Publishing Careers,' was held June 13, 2024.
Beyond Degrees - Empowering the Workforce in the Context of Skills-First.pptxEduSkills OECD
Iván Bornacelly, Policy Analyst at the OECD Centre for Skills, OECD, presents at the webinar 'Tackling job market gaps with a skills-first approach' on 12 June 2024
Walmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdfTechSoup
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You will hear from Liz Willett, the Head of Nonprofits, and hear about what Walmart is doing to help nonprofits, including Walmart Business and Spark Good. Walmart Business+ is a new offer for nonprofits that offers discounts and also streamlines nonprofits order and expense tracking, saving time and money.
The webinar may also give some examples on how nonprofits can best leverage Walmart Business+.
The event will cover the following::
Walmart Business + (https://business.walmart.com/plus) is a new shopping experience for nonprofits, schools, and local business customers that connects an exclusive online shopping experience to stores. Benefits include free delivery and shipping, a 'Spend Analytics” feature, special discounts, deals and tax-exempt shopping.
Special TechSoup offer for a free 180 days membership, and up to $150 in discounts on eligible orders.
Spark Good (walmart.com/sparkgood) is a charitable platform that enables nonprofits to receive donations directly from customers and associates.
Answers about how you can do more with Walmart!"
How to Make a Field Mandatory in Odoo 17Celine George
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Temple of Asclepius in Thrace. Excavation resultsKrassimira Luka
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Leveraging Generative AI to Drive Nonprofit InnovationTechSoup
In this webinar, participants learned how to utilize Generative AI to streamline operations and elevate member engagement. Amazon Web Service experts provided a customer specific use cases and dived into low/no-code tools that are quick and easy to deploy through Amazon Web Service (AWS.)
1. Friends of African Village Libraries Newsletter December 2023
FAVL’s mission is to help create and
foster a culture of reading. Generous
donors and volunteers enable us to work
with local communities and non-profit
organizations to support libraries in
Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Uganda, to
develop innovative literacy programs
and to provide ongoing library staff
training.
As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization,
donations to FAVL are tax-deductible. A
team of U.S. volunteers supports FAVL
activities in Africa.
Continuing fundraising priorities:
• Building an endowment for each of
the FAVL-supported community li-
braries.
• Renewing stock of locally-purchased
books by African authors.
• Producing more micro-books in local
languages and languages of instruc-
tion.
West Africa Director
Michael Kevane
Professor of Economics
Santa Clara University
mkevane@scu.edu
East Africa Director
Kate Parry
Professor of English Emeritus
Hunter College
City University of New York
kateparry@earthlink.net
Address: P.O. Box 90533,
San Jose, CA 95109
Email: favlafrica@gmail.com
Website & Blog: www.favl.org
Why support community libraries?
My philosophy about FAVL and community libraries is simple. Your dona-
tions enable children with a keen interest in reading to have the chance to
read extensively. There might be 30 such kids in every village. There might
also be 10 young adults. And there might be 10 teachers and government
workers. Those 50 people enjoy and benefit from community libraries. Is
that enough to be impactful, given the money spent? Well, remember that
practically all of the money spent is going to librarian salaries and coordina-
tion staff to provide the training and support that keeps the libraries running.
If this were a cash transfer program, like GiveDirectly, then I think that the
librarians and coordination staff are exactly the kinds of people one (as a do-
nor) might want to transfer cash to. They are relatively poor on a global
scale. They put their salaries to good use. They promote reading.
But there is something else. This November, I read Mohamed Mbougar
Sarr’s novel, La plus secrète mémoire des hommes. It won France’s Prix
Goncourt, the country’s top literary prize. Sarr is the first African author to
win the prize, and one of the youngest (he is now 34 years old). The novel is
complex and dense, drawing on global literature. Bolaño, Mallarmé, and
Joyce are quite evident, and at one point, a character remarks about a friend
that he is 'rather Bartelbian.' It is one of the best novels I have ever read!
Now, there is no connection between FAVL and Sarr, who is from Senegal.
But the novel exists because he had opportunities to read fiction, to enroll in
school, to meet other authors. In 2050, when there are 100 million young
people going to college in francophone African countries, their lives are go-
ing to be shaped, for the better, by reading and discussing Sarr’s novel.
FAVL’s mission is help more readers have access to Sarr, and to other writ-
ers, past and present.
Enough philosophizing.
Time for my favorite pic-
ture of the year, kids do-
ing the alphabet puzzle in
Koho library in Burkina
Faso. We try to provide
most libraries with puz-
zles and games. Many of
the libraries have Scrab-
ble games (and Sarr has
said in interviews that he
played a lot of Scrabble
as a kid!).
We hope we have earned
your trust as a low over-
head and effective non-
profit. Thanks for your
continued support of
FAVL and, more im-
portantly, of community
libraries in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Uganda.
Please mention FAVL to friends and family!
Michael Kevane, FAVL Director, West Africa
2. FAVL, in partnership with CESRUD (a local NGO) supports three libraries in the
Upper East region of Ghana.
• Libraries continue to see very heavy usage. The libraries are used a lot for
studying, especially at night. Up to 30 people might be present in Sumbrungu
library on many evenings.
• In their November meeting, librarians read together a book entitled The Girl
Who Wanted to Go to School by Irene Agyepong Amarteyfio. The librarians
and library coordinator have resolved to read more of the books in the librar-
ies, in order to better serve young readers.
• Gowrie-Kunkua library planted trees around the library to eventually provide
shade for readers and protection from the wind.
• All three libraries now have electricity and night lighting. October saw an
electricity upgrade in Sumbrungu. Gowrie-Kunkua was electrified in July at a
cost of about $400 (photos and invoice at the FAVL blog).
• FAVL supported carpentry work in Sumbrungu for the maintenance of tables
and chairs.
• Outgoing coordinator Benedict Akana trained and turned over responsibilities
to the new CESRUD library coordinator Clement Amii Nsoh. Congratulations
Benedict and welcome Clement! (Clement is the tall man in both photos at
right.)
Honoring colleagues, friends, and loved ones, and some special thanks
Updates from Ghana libraries (Sumbrungu, Sherigu, and Gowrie-Kunkua)
The Community Libraries Association of Uganda (CoLAU) and coordi-
nator Emmanuel Anguyo carried out activities to further the vision of A
Library in Every Village of Uganda. In 2023, CoLAU assisted Art of a
Child Community Library which established book clubs in ten schools
through a mobile library and teacher led activities, St. Jude Media and
Information Center which created a community library in Osupa Primary
School, and Monica Memorial Resource Center which implemented mo-
bile bicycle libraries with about 150 books each. In partnership with Ro-
tary D9213, about 30 CoLAU members conducted reading activities dur-
ing the Drop Everything and Read week. CoLAU currently has five
members benefitting from a project to improve access to digital resources
(Nagongera Public Library and Resource Centre, Nyungu Streams Com-
munity Resource Centre, Art of a Child Library, Nambi Sseppuuya Com-
munity Resource Centre, Centre For Youth Driven Development Initia-
tives). Over 2023, COLAU distributed 12,000 books to 40 libraries. Final-
ly, site visits were conducted in Canon Esau Library, Kawempe Youth
Centre Library, Marko Lukooya Memorial Community Library (to support braille resources), and Pefo Community li-
brary.
Kitengesa Community Library has improved people’s access to and use of the Internet. The librarians have organized
Learning Circles in which participants learn how to find information online about how to make useful and salable goods,
and then they make the products themselves. A recent project has been making and selling liquid soap. The Kitengesa Li-
brary Band continues to perform at a variety of events, including performing traditional Kiganda music for the community
at Christmas, accompanied by gifts for poorer residents of the village. It is all making the library increasingly popular.
Community Libraries Association of
Uganda board members
Kitengesa Library and Community Libraries Association of Uganda
Donors sometimes let us know their gift is a remembrance for loved ones, or a way to honor friends and colleagues.
Some donors also bring FAVL to the attention of grant-makers and partner organizations. Several donors this year re-
membered our former board member and colleague, Helene Lafrance, and others honored the memory of FAVL friends
David Pace and Steve Cisler. Other donors wanted to honor FAVL co-director Kate Parry, who retired last year. A dona-
tion was made to honor the Greeley family, who helped to establish the Sebba Library (sadly, now closed because of the
war), and another to remember Marilyn Russell. We want to especially thank some large donors who have been gener-
ous over the past few years: the law firm of Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones; the fraternity Phi Gamma Delta at MIT; and
the estate of Penelope Hartnell. Thank you! We are filled with gratitude for the thoughtfulness that inspires these actions.
3. Producing and distributing books in Burkina Faso
FAVL’s partner organization in Burkina Faso,
ABVBF, continued to produce, print, and dis-
tribute books, in our program that was started
with a Rotary grant. In late October, about
4,000 books were distributed to 400 primary
school students in the villages of Karaba,
Dohoun, Bereba, and Dimikuy. Each student
received 10 books. Student were enthusiastic
about receiving the books, and we hope they
provide many quiet hours of that feeling of
being “lost in a book,” some vocabulary im-
provement, inspiration (all the books are au-
thored locally by young people in the Houndé
area), reading practice, and sense of communi-
ty (as the kids share their thoughts and swap
books amongst themselves). Another 5,000
books are ready for distribution in early De-
cember. The team developed almost 30 titles
in 2023 (we are now at 134 titles in the series).
The texts are about topics pertinent for young
readers, and are written at a level of French
that primary school students can understand.
FAVL works closely with the ABVBF team to
ensure good production quality, and the books
undergo multiple grammar and style reviews.
The covers on the right are examples: teen
author Koura Sylvie wrote about marriage is-
sues for young women; young author Koura
Donald wrote The Life of an Internally Dis-
placed Woman; Kahoun Sibiri wrote a short
story about a boy growing up in the village as
a hunchback; and Koura Elissé wrote about
village life in The Son of a Farmer. Below is a
page from one of the books.
4. NONPROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
SAN JOSE, CA
PERMIT NO. 1014
Friends of African Village Libraries
P.O. Box 90533
San Jose, CA 95109-3533
Current Resident or
Mobile library at a Houndé school! Despite the security situa-
tion, schools have reopened in Tuy province in Burkina Faso,
and the BMP mobile library has been going out each week to a
different primary school in the town. Students avidly read the
children’s books and try to solve the puzzles.