Learners at Chichiri Primary School in Blantyre are set to enhance their reading culture courtesy of Luc’s Libraries Initiative.
This is the 36th library that director of Jacaranda Schools Luc Deschamps is handing over to a primary school to improve learners’ reading culture and access to learning materials.
The project, which cost K5 million, provides a permanent space for books and learning materials that previously had no home at the school.
Speaking on Wednesday during the opening of the library, Deschamps said the initiative was part of a broader effort by Jacaranda Foundation to promote literacy and create safe environments for learners.
He said: “Since its inception, the initiative has reached over 80 000 children nationwide, helping to cultivate reading culture and inspire young minds.
“This library is about giving children the tools to dream big. Here, they can start reading today and one day, they could become writers, historians, artists and leaders of Malawi.”
The library, adorned with murals of global icons such as Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama, was described by Deschamps as an art gallery.
The library houses hundreds of books, including The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba, The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees by Wagari Matai, and local works by Father Boucher Chisale and D D Phiri.
Professor Alexandra Ditalia of Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, who was the guest of honour, praised the initiative.
She said: “Reading from a young age builds a culture of literacy. With access to a safe space and books, children can learn independently, solve problems and grow into informed and responsible citizens.
“Education is a global endeavour and initiatives such as these show how much can be achieved with support from around the world.”
The school’s head teacher Robert Duwa expressed gratitude for the facility.
He said: “This library is a big boost for our learners.
Books are essential for knowledge and this facility will give our pupils more opportunities to grow intellectually.”
