Mbale/Kampala, Uganda – Summer 2013

Schools: Mengo Primary, Faithful Servants Primary, Faithful Servants Secondary, Mothercare Preparatory
Libraries: Mengo Laurel Library, Faithful Servants Primary Laurel Library, Faithful Servants Secondary Laurel Library, Mothercare Preparatory Laurel Library
Students Served: 4000

In reflection, I simply shake my head and think – incredible. As we have provided libraries the past 9 years, the administrators have constantly commented on the difference reading has made in concentration, expanded vocabulary, improved writing skills, and general knowledge.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “The things I want to know are in books. My best friend is the man who gives me a book I haven’t read.” The books are changing lives, but the continued friendships and love that are shared through LOL are changing lives as well.

Texas, Illinois, and Kansas groups arrived in Uganda in June. While here, they created four new libraries, containing 12,876 books total. They also added 9,977 books to two of our previous libraries. You can imagine, it was quite a feat – putting 22,853 books in correct Dewey order, plus folding in an additional 5,000 books already received last year at our two previous schools. Top that with decorating the libraries and labeling each shelf, and you know the team probably should have gone home wearing ‘Wonder Woman’ capes. They have my highest respect for a ‘job well done,’ as is said in Uganda.

Update (June 24, 2013): In the photos above, left, volunteers visit a Mengo Primary School classroom. At right, Matthew, the librarian, at the completed Mengo Primary Library. After the first week, the team has completed libraries at Mengo Primary and Mother Care Preparatory. In addition, they’ve made time to engage with the students outside the library, including Sports Day at Namirembe Primary and Book Club at Mengo Secondary. This week, the team will create new libraries in Jinja at Faithful Servants Primary and Secondary schools, plus complete the Bugonda Road library with a total of 8,000 books and re-do the Mengo Secondary School library. This week also will include a grand opening celebration of all the libraries to be held at Mother Care Preparatory.

Update (July 1, 2013): The travel team has completed two weeks of hard work and returned to the U.S. They accomplishing so much in such a short time. From Trudy, “We had endless laughs, shed tears together, worshipped together, and have become even closer friends.” The team also took a photo safari to Murchison Falls and saw four lions, endless giraffes, elephants, cape buffalo, hartebeest, kobe, crocks, and hippos. It is a trip that will be life-changing for many and we appreciate all they contribute.