News from the visit Jane Brown and Vickie made to Kabubbu:

The visit that Jane Brown, a professional fundraiser from the UK and Vickie made to Kabubbu in September 2003 was intensely valuable and vast amounts were achieved.   It was fantastic to see what a success story Kabubbu Community Library Service has become in the last 6 months.   The
Librarians, Library Committee, Community and dedicated volunteers have managed the development of an outstanding library service.  Library users within the Community and beyond have responded with enthusiasm and commitment to the diversity of learning opportunities which are now available to them.

The greatest impact has been made by the Literacy / Numeracy classes and the Literacy Competition which provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and creativity of the Community.  Clearly the empowered people are growing in stature daily and were keen to demonstrate this to us.  Local students and adult readers are also supported and fulfilled by the books which the library gives them access to. More importantly, they see this as just the beginning and have asked for help designing greater roles and responsibilities for the Committee members to enable them involve even more of the community and encourage voluntary service to the Library.

In line with the policy of Kabubbu Community Library the activities conducted from 11-22nd September tried to involve as many people in the Community as possible.  Activities included: children's school holiday workshops for all ages; Literacy, Illustration / Performing Arts Competitions for adults / children; employment / study skill development workshops; networking with useful organisations in Uganda and sustainability planning (inc: fund-raising, volunteering, management and responsibilities).

The Literacy and Illustration Competition attracted 88 participants and 400 spectators.   Participation in the Literacy Competition represented a great achievement for the entrants.  Many have been attending Literacy classes run by Kabubbu Community Library for the last 6 months, which has given them
the confidence to compete.  Members of the Red Literacy Class were able to read short stories in English, when they were previously unable to read in English.  The event won praise from The Primary Education
Officer from the Uganda Ministry of Education, The Director of the East African School of Library Science, the UNESCO Secretary General in Uganda, Macmillan Publishers and local Councillors / Chiefs who attended.   Competitors received great  encouragement from medals (donated by the UNESCO Youth Ambassador) and certificates which were awarded.  Certificates were also given to local volunteers who had worked very hard to support the Library Service and make it such a success.  This is the first step in recognising the value of
voluntary contributions and encouraging more people to become involved in organising their own groups / clubs and activities using library resources.  Uganda TV made a report on the Literacy Competition for the Evening News.  Art from the children's activities earlier in the week made splendid decorations of waving hands surrounding the Competition area.  

Jane Brown, a professional fundraiser, gave 5, 3 hour, classes on making funding approaches to organisations, in order to prepare the Community to sustain the Library in the future.  An application letter and information leaflet had been completed by the end of the week and delivered to a possible funder.
In addition to this Library Committee members were involved in meetings with Library and Educational professionals and shown how to establish networks of helpful contacts with relevant organisations.

Reading glasses were issued to committed Literacy Students whose sight was hindering their study.  Members of the Green Literacy Class were able to sign for their glasses as they have learned to write their names in the last
6 months.

'Development Clubs' which are independent study groups with the aim of using library resources to boost employment skills in Kabubbu, were launched.  The groups were shown the library resources available to help them and group
study skills and problem solving were discussed.

A dedicated Library building is expected to be completed in December 2003 which will allow the Library to increase it's opening hours, maximising the benefit of the Library Service to the Community.  In February 2004 a carpentry
workshop is planned to increase local carpentry skills by making furniture for the new Library room.  The Teacher of the Year has very kindly agreed to donate £200 of her award to supporting the carpenters with tools and materials for this workshop.  Outreach programmes, more children's educational activities and current affairs discussion groups, using the new radio for stimulus, are planned future enhancements to the Library Services.

Recently a volunteer (Ged), experienced in setting up computer networks, has expressed an interest in providing 20 computers and installation, for a computer centre near Kabubbu.  This will contribute to the sustainability plan for the library by providing some income generating services and a young man in Kabubbu is currently preparing the business plan for this project and
seeking an ethical investor to back it.

In August 2003 Vickie became the Liaison for the UNESCO Youth Ambassador in Uganda and has appointed a Co-Liaison from Kabubbu to help me.  This has enabled Vickie to network with many indigenous organisations in Uganda who are now working in fruitful partnership with Kabubbu Community Library Service.   For example, UNESCO Uganda, who are planning a work camp
in Kabubbu on Health Issues and The Pigeons who are a group of young people raising awareness about AIDS to their peers, through music and drama.  I feel that these relationships have the potential to deliver huge benefits to Kabubbu and will protect the Library Service from isolation, as it is an unusual project.