Lessons from Kitengese Library

Jess and I are fortunate to be in a program at Capilano University that has exposed us to the world of international and community development. We learnt about many different organizations and theoretical perspectives related to community and international development. Afripads was one such organization – it is a social enterprise that employs local adult women who sew reusable pads. A main theme that runs through successful community development initiatives is local ownership and participation in the development initiative. Learning about this concept in a class room is one thing – seeing it being played out in reality is an entirely different experience.

Yesterday, Jess, Jane and I were fortunate to learn about the Kitengesa Community Library, an initiative started by a Professor Kate Perry from the USA and Dan, our Ugandan Project Manager. Dan spent time talking to us about the history and evolution of this library and creating a culture of reading and literacy in Uganda. Starting as just a box of books, the Kitengesa Library has evolved over the past ten years to be much more than just a library. It has grown to include many spin off projects started by community members. Dan has expressed that what has made this initiative so successful was that community members were interested in the library and became involved in its progress from the beginning. Community ownership has played an important role in the success of the library. He also expressed that it has taken time to grow – over 10 years. The library didn’t start out like it is today.

A main challenge the Kitengesa library faces is sustainable funding – they rely heavily on donations from abroad. In the past they have also received funding from the UN for specific projects, such as building a bigger building for the library. Relying heavily on external funding can be tricky as it can be unreliable and inconsistent. To meet the challenge of the funding issue, some income generating projects have been started in conjunction with the library. Growing a community garden is one such project, as produce can be sold for a profit. Also, the library charges people to charge their cell phones – the equivalent of about 20 cents. The third project in the works is finalizing a part of the library that can be used as a community hall – people can rent out the space for weddings or ceremonies. The community room is not quite complete – it still needs windows, chairs and tables. But once the income generating projects are creating an income for the library, it will be a more sustainable project.

Kitengesa Library has been a great success and model for other libraries. In ibanda, Jess and I will keep in mind the lessons we earned from the Kitengesa Library – mainly the importance of community ownership in the project, as well as the project being able to be sustained by the community once we leave. Engaging community members from the beginning will be critical for the success of initiatives we participate in. I'm excited to hear what the community members of Ibanda have to say, for they will be driving the Ibandan Project!