In an effort to broaden access to knowledge, the Tanzanian government has initiated a program to upgrade all libraries across the country. This initiative aims to provide students, educators, and the public with enhanced resources for learning and personal development.
The Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Professor Adolf Mkenda, unveiled this ambitious plan during the inauguration of the Martha Onesmo Public Library in the Ugweno area of Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro Region. He emphasized the pivotal role of libraries in advancing education and announced an allocation of approximately 2 billion Tanzanian Shillings for procuring additional books and improving existing library infrastructures nationwide.
The enhancement of 22 libraries spread across different regions is expected to facilitate supplementary learning beyond formal education at various academic levels, fostering a holistic approach to knowledge acquisition. Professor Mkenda underscored that libraries serve as fundamental hubs for accessing additional knowledge, which is essential for the future societal contributions of students.
During the inauguration in Mwanga, Professor Mkenda commended the visionary, Ms. Jennifer Dickson, for her significant contribution to the community through the establishment of the library. He emphasized that the timing of this initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to elevating the quality of the education system, ensuring its accessibility to students, teachers, and residents alike.
Ms. Jennifer expressed her longstanding dream of establishing a library accessible to rural communities, aiming to empower individuals with knowledge accumulation. Additionally, she highlighted the library’s role as a platform for entrepreneurial training and various educational programs vital for national development. Ms. Jennifer acknowledged the collaborative efforts of multiple donors, including Bayport Tanzania, Barrick Gold Tanzania, and the Mwanga Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT-MD), in turning her dream into reality.
Encouraging a broader utilization of library services, Ms. Jennifer dispelled the notion that libraries are solely for academic or intellectual pursuits, urging Tanzanians to embrace them as centers for personal and collective growth.
Bishop Chediel Sendoro of the ELCT-MD lauded Ms. Jennifer’s initiative, emphasizing the library’s inclusive nature, irrespective of religious affiliations. He commended her parents for instilling the values that led her to drive positive change, urging other parents and youth to follow suit for the nation’s continued progress.
In further support, Prof. Bonaventure Rutinwa, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam, stressed the profound impact of libraries on holistic education. He emphasized the importance of introducing children to the significance of libraries at an early age, portraying them as not only educational but life-enriching institutions accessible to all.
The government’s commitment to revamp libraries nationwide underlines a significant step towards democratizing knowledge and fostering inclusive development across Tanzania.
