Project Report
| May 14, 2020
Libraries in the time of Covid
By Lee Koelzer | Director GRU
Well, we really don't have much to report right now. Pretty much all of Uganda has been shut down for the last couple months, including our libraries, as the Govornment tries to squelch the spread of Covid-19. Pretty much all institutions except banks and food markets have been shut down, no public transport is allowed, people are not allowed to drive their own cars without written permission from the govornment, and there is a strict curfew before dusk.
It is a bleak everywhere right now, and all our fabulous books are just sitting on the shelves collecting dust. Fortunately, we are still able to pay our librarians so they can continue to support their families during this difficult time, and we and anxiously awaiting the day we can re-open!!!
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Jan 6, 2020
Kids are never too young to love books
By Lee Koelzer /Omedo David | GRU Director/ GRU Librarian
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"We've got to pause and ask ourselves,how much are we doing to make the young ones love books?"
~ David, GRU Librarian
When I was little my mother read to us every night before bed. It started with basic kids picture books that were mostly pictures and has simple plots, and ended with classics like Hatchet and Bunnicula. It was a luxury really- one that I did not realize I has until I came to Uganda. Here, most families do not have children's books. Many parents are illiterate and while cultural folklore is passed down through the art of storytelling, it differs from the indulgence of books.
Our libraries add a bit of that luxury that I had as a child. While our librarians are not reading the kids stories at bedtime, they do welcome children of all ages and sit with them and they are read stories. They explain the stories and translate them into the children's native tongue. They widen the children's imaginations and open up their worlds so when the kids are a bit older- they can read on their own.
It's a small thing in the grand scheme of things, but to these kids, the libraries are a pretty big deal.
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Sep 23, 2019
Niteo Visit!
By LEE KOELZER | Director GRU
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We had another visit from one of our sponsors NITEO Africa Society! We are always super excited to host them and show off our libraries and how their contributions are helping change the lives of these children.
Fortunately they brought us a few more books. This is imperative as thousands of tiny fingers tend to destroy their favorite books after a couple years. We should have more books coming in the future as well when another shipping container of books arrives in Uganda.
Overall, we are extremely thankful for Niteo’s partnership and contribution, and for the love and support from donors like you. With your help you have put books into the hands of hundreds of children, and you have helped open up their worlds.
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