Minister pledges improvement of community libraries

KILIMANJARO: THE government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving community libraries across the country to enable citizens to access knowledge that will enhance nation-building and improve people’s welfare.

Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Adolf Mkenda, made the pledge recently during the launch of a community library at Bustani Secondary School in Rombo District, Kilimanjaro Region.

In a statement read on his behalf by the ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary, Dr Hussein Mohamed Omar, Prof Mkenda said community libraries provide opportunities for students and ordinary citizens to acquire knowledge and skills necessary for contributing to national development.

“It is in this context that the government is continuing with strategies to establish new libraries and improve existing ones. This is the surest way to secure the future of the nation by guaranteeing longterm productivity, economic sustainability and inclusive growth,” said Prof Mkenda, who is also the Member of Parliament for Rombo Constituency.

He urged students and members of the public to make effective use of community libraries to build their capacities and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.

“The opportunities offered by community libraries are endless. They open doors for people to acquire knowledge that enables them to contribute to the development of the country and its people through exposure gained from reading books available in libraries,” he added.

ALSO READ: Minister tasks TSLB to invest in community libraries

Prof Mkenda also commended all stakeholders who contributed to the establishment of the library, including the Government of Japan through the Maktaba Project Trust, the Tanzania Library Services Board (TLSB) and the Tanzania Education Authority (TEA).

He noted that the project would contribute significantly to the development of Rombo District, Kilimanjaro Region and the country at large.

Speaking during the launch, TLSB Director General Dr Mboni Ruzegea said the initiative reflects ongoing government efforts to expand library services and improve citizens’ access to knowledge.

“The initiatives by the government through TLSB and other educational stakeholders aimed at improving community libraries will help more people, including students, acquire knowledge and skills needed to compete in available job markets,” she said.