MINISTER for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adolf Mkenda has tasked Tanzania Library Services Board (TLSB) to invest in community libraries to help rebuild the reading culture that will subsequently boost creativity and innovations among Tanzanians.
Prof Mkenda remarked this immediately after inspecting the ongoing renovation project of TLSB’s Maktaba Building in Dar es Salaam on Friday, as he advised the board that after accomplishing ongoing construction projects, a focus should be on purchasing books and distributing them for Tanzanians, especially the youth, to learn.
“I will work on challenges raised here but I want you to think about community libraries. I was born and raised in a village. I’m among beneficiaries of community libraries. But now, where are they?” Prof Mkenda queried.
The minister reminded the TLSB management that in the past there were few government buildings but some religious buildings were used to host community library services as the country emerged among the best countries in the world in alleviation of illiteracy.
Prof Mkenda was puzzled to learn that there were only three community libraries located in Hai district, (Lupembe) Njombe and Rulenge (Ngara) districts, as he directed the TLSB to collaborate with district councils and schools to establish t facility for people access library services at community levels.
“Mind you during those days back, there were no special buildings designated for community library services at Ronga (in Rombo district); there were government buildings, but other areas used church buildings…today we have schools everywhere, every ward but where are the community libraries?” Prof Mkenda asked and affirmed the ministry’s support to the TLSB in accomplishing the task.
TLSB Director General, Dr Mboni Ruzegea, said the institution is still working in accordance with the government’s vision to ensure that Tanzanians are educated to cope with various changes in the world.
Currently, according to Dr Ruzegea, TLSB continues to implement its 202/21-2024/25 Strategic Plan that is centred on three areas, including modernisation of library services and enhanced resources management.
Prior to visiting TLSB, Professor Mkenda, accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Professor Carolyne Nombo, met with the Tanzania Institute of Adult Education Council members in Dar es Salaam.
At the council’s meeting, the minister emphasized on the permanent secretary’s point that the institute should redefine itself to cope with current changes in the country’s education policy and curricular.
