Mwangaza Community Library
The library is a project of Koscobar Kenya, a community-based organization that works in the slums of Korogocho to intervene on issues affecting marginalized groups. The library was founded with the support of AIFO Italy and the city council of Rome.
The library's main purpose is to help young girls develop an interest in pursuing education to alleviate early pregnancy, a rampant problem in the area and the cause of a high rate of school drop outs.
The name Mwangaza means "to bring light" to the people living in Korogocho slum in the form of knowledge and education.
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| Mwangaza Community Library | R E P O R T C A R D |
|---|---|
| In our network | Yes |
| Library visited by our team | Yes |
| Library visit date | December 10, 2013; May 28, 2014 |
| Library context | This library serves the Korogocho slum of Nairobi. It has plenty of space and could host much more books and computers. The library highly benefits the local community, especially the youth, by offering cultural dances, an art studio and a rehabilitation center. |
| This library needs: (reviewed and approved by ATS) |
The library has plenty of space available. It could easily host many more books and up to 10 computers. Their Internet is unreliable and needs to be connected to a better system. They do not have Wifi. Library needs: - more books - up to 10 computers - more reliable Internet service - school supplies (pencils, stationary, exercise books) - floor mats for children - support to generate more income - money management training - better restroom system |
| Region | Korogocho slum, Nairobi, Kenya |
| Google maps link | Locate on Google Maps (approx.) |
| Observations | The library serves a population in high need of education. It provides services to kids from local schools who heavily use the library mostly on weekends and holidays. |
| Address | Lucky Summer Estate, off Baba Dogo and next to Lucky Summer Bar. |
| Postal address | P.O Box 8851-00100, Nairobi Kenya. |
| Point of contact | Peter Warui Wanjiru |
| Website | None |
| koscobark@yahoo.com, mwangazacl@gmail.com | |
| Year founded | 2011 |
| Serving population | 104,000 as per the 2009 national census |
| Surface size (approx.) | Main library hall 4.45m by 4.26m by 2.4m Children room 3.74m by 3.15m by 2.4m Internet room 3.75m by 2.58m by 2.4m Reading tent 5.74m by 4.30m |
| Access to electricity | Yes |
| Number of visitors per day (approx.) | On average they have about 50 visitors per day, but during the weekends and school holidays, it can go up to 100. |
| Number of seats | 32 |
| Number of tables | 3 large tables |
| Number of books | 2,470 |
| Internet | Poor |
| Wireless Internet available (Wifi) | No |
| Internet speed | Slow (when working) |
| Number of computers | 3 laptops |
| Services offered | The library offers book borrowing and research assistance. Anyone is allowed to visit, conduct research and study at the library. It also offers training on handycrafts, tailoring and candlemaking mostly to youths and the disabled.
The library provides meeting facilities in a tent which can seat 25 people. It often shows educational videos to groups. |
| Support this library directly | For direct donations: Co-operative Bank Kariobangi Branch. Please contact the library for more information on how to donate directly. |
| Additional supporting material | Library pictures from our visit in May 2014
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| SUPPORT PROVIDED BY ATS | Provided consultation to library management on the use of library space and how they can improve their restroom system. ATS donated content relevant books, locally purchassed. |
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