Zambia Knowledge Bank Village Library

A new branch of the  Zambia Knowledge Bank (ZANOBA) was recently formed in early 2006. The branch is located in the Nkhanga region in the Northwestern part of the Lundazi District in the Eastern Province of rural Zambia in Southern Africa. One historic project the branch decided to embark on was to build a village library. The library would serve about one hundred thousand people; men, women children in an area which is about a hundred square miles covering many villages. This area will include the villages between Nyalubanga to Chizingizi, Gwazapasi to Kapinda and Kahonoko up to Gundu. During June and July 2006, the Nkhanga Branch Executive of the ZANOBA met and formed a number of committees to start fundraising and the construction of the library. The entire executive and the  6 construction  sub-committees consist of a good mix of men and women who are leaders in the villages and Nkhanga community.  The molding of twenty thousand bricks started at end of July 2006.

Headman Limbalimba standing in front of the land he allocated where the Village library will be constructed.

NAME: Zambia Knowledge Bank Libraries: Nkhanga Branch

Zambia Knowledge Bank (ZANOBA) Executive Committee Members. From left to right standing: Ms. Beatrice Nyoni-Mkandawire, Committee Member; Mrs. Gloria Nyirenda, Publicity Secretary; Mr. Rashid Zuza, President; Mr. Bezelo Nyirongo, Vice Publicity Secretary; Mr. Vincent Tembo, Treasurer. Left to Right seated: Mr. Karanga, Secretary; Mr. Duncan Banda, Vice-President.

GOAL: The target is to raise $10,000.00 (Ten Thousand US dollars) toward the construction of the library by April 30th, 2007. As of February 16, 2007 $450 has beed donated. The balance now is $9,500.00.

The Zambia Knowledge Libraries: Nkhanga Branch Library Building Committee  has 6 sub-committees each with a Chair Person and Secretary and 6 to 8 members.

1. The Works and Fundraising Sub-Committee
2. The Research and Archives Sub-Committee
3. The Book Selection Sub-Committee
4. The Women’s Sub-Committee
5. The Rules and Disciplinary Committee
6. The Membership Committee

If you would like to contribute toward the Library Project please contact: Dr. Mwizenge S. Tembo mtembo@bridgewater.edu. 540 – 828-5351. For more details see www.bridgewater.edu/zanoba.