Jacaranda Foundation last week opened a library at Cornerstone Christian School in Blantyre which will provide learners from surrounding communities access to 1 250 books.
The library is the 38th that Jacaranda Foundation has opened in Malawi and its executive director Luc Deschamps said it will serve learners from Nyambadwe Primary School and Nyambadwe Community Day Secondary School and nearby schools.
According to Deschamps, more than 50 schools across Malawi await libraries, highlighting the need to expand access to reading materials.
He said the facility features inspirational murals depicting Malawian and African figures to encourage learners to believe in their potential.
“The goal is that children can come here and access quality books,” said Deschamps.
He said books could help children discover new interests, including science, music and art, while libraries could also support activities such as chess and drawing.
Cornerstone Christian School founder and chairperson Trevor Otto said the library complemented the institution’s education mission by giving children opportunities to read, think creatively and explore new ideas.
“One of the best things and my favourite things I did with my seven children was read them books,” he said.
Otto said children needed opportunities to engage with books at a time when screens increasingly competed for their attention.
One of the learners, Kutherani Mwase, has welcomed the facility, saying it will help children improve their reading and writing skills.
