UN-HABITAT and the Kenya National Library Services have signed a new library deal whereby cargo containers will be used to serve poor communities. The idea of the Container Library Project, a first of its kind in Kenya, is to help people living in informal settlements get access to reading material, business and education opportunities. Background The proposed container based library is a new and innovative concept, the first of its kind in Kenya. Three containers will be redesigned in such a way that they accommodate readers, books, computers and shelves. Kenya National Library Service staff will administer and sustain the project. A tent will be pitched outside to accommodate readers as well as other reading and cultural activities. The facilities are expected to benefit about 100,000 people who live in informal settlements, and facilitate access to information, improve education in the area, encourage gainful pastime through reading as well as build a society that is empowered and informed. It will also contribute to improved HIV/Aids awareness, promote cultural and social co-existence between communities and increase the chance for the youth to seek employment opportunities and access government services. The Container Library will also act as a research centre where youth can search for jobs, business tips and do other research.
The initiative is relevant to UN-HABITAT’s mandate and position as the United Nations lead agency on sustainable urban development and for the Millennium Development Goal target on improving the living conditions of slum dwellers.
The Kenya National Library Service is mandated by the government of Kenya to promote, establish, equip, manage, maintain and develop libraries in Kenya, through activities aimed at inculcating a reading culture among Kenyans. In support of the Container Library Project, UN-HABITAT received many pledges from United Nations staff, organizations and Governing Council delegates who gave books and audio visual material in response the agency’s Book into the future appeal launched at the agency’s 22nd Governing Council. Donations for books, novels, children’s books, video tapes, DVDs etc, to support this innovative project are most welcome. Write to imu@unhabitat.org. |
