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Jokomo/Yamada Library outreach aids local schools and communities

(Photo left:) AU library staff assist librarian from Chimanimani Secondary School with selection and packing of donated books. (Photo right:) The Headmaster from Mweyamutsvene Secondary School with the school driver and AU Deputy Librarian, Mr. Abel Mutize sorting through materials for the school library.

The Jokomo/Yamada Library at Africa University donated textbooks worth more than Z$400 million (US$4,000) to ten secondary schools in Manicaland on 8 February. The schools include Rusitu, Chipangayi, St. Patrick’s, Mwandiyambira, St. Andrews, St. Benedict’s, Takawira,
Mutambara, Chimanimani and Mutare Boys High. “This donation has come as a ray of hope because we
have a very small collection of books,” said Mr. Mutanda, the Librarian at Chipangayi Secondary School.
Mutanda and other school librarians who benefited from the Library outreach donation programme noted that textbooks have become so expensive that most school libraries are unable to purchase crucial materials. The Baptist Church-related secondary school at Rusitu Mission for example, was overwhelmed to find essential textbooks for studying Divinity among the books it received. At present, these books are priced at more than Z$1 million (US$10) each and the average household income in that community is about Z$6 million (US$60) a month. Parents can ill afford to purchase them. The Headmaster of Mwandiyambira Secondary School, located in a rural setting about 50kms from Mutare, said that the books his school received will benefit the entire community. The school runs a fledgling community library.
The gift of textbooks to schools followed similarly large
donation of general interest books to the City of Mutare Public Libraries in January. That donation was shared between Turner Memorial Library, located in the city centre, and two suburban
community libraries located in Sakubva and Dangamvura Townships.
Over the past two years, Mutare city libraries have not had any funds for book acquisition and have been relying very heavily on donations. Africa University’s Jokomo/ Yamada Library is an important source of new material for these libraries. Africa University’s Library outreach programme began
1992, at the institution’s inception. Just before opening, the University appealed to its friends and supporters for educational material to build its collection. The response was overwhelming. Any material found to be below university level is routinely donated to other institutions. Institutions apply to Africa University for library supportand donation recipients cut across all levels of society.