Zanzibar to improve library services nationwide

ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar Library Services Board (ZLSB) staff have been tasked to help in promotion of a reading culture in the country as the government embarks on constructing a new central library and establishing a library in each district.

Expanding library services in all districts along with increasing public awareness on reading culture and encouraging writing and publishing books, will provide opportunities for students, teachers and other people in the isles to have access to additional knowledge.

The Zanzibar Second Vice President, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla said recently during the commemoration of International Literacy Day (ILD) 2024 celebrated annually on September 8 around the world that it is important for the people to access library so that they read and get new experience from others who have decided to share knowledge and skills through documentation.

The commemoration involved discussing education issues to raise awareness on the significance of literacy as a fundamental human right and a matter of dignity,and also aims to promote literacy and contribute to building a more literate and sustainable society.

“We need ZLSB to be creative in promoting young authors and reading culture. But since libraries have a unique importance in the development of education, the government has decided to ensure that in each district, there is a well-equipped library,” Mr Abdulla said at the ILD climax celebrations held at Idriss Abdulwakil Hall, Kikwajuni in Unguja Urban district.

He said that easy access to library services can motivate students and people to like reading, urging ZLSB not to remain in offices/libraries, instead creating something to motivate people and students to read.

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The Second VP explained that the eighth phase government, through its Library Services Board (ZLSB), is determined to improve services and an enabling environment for new writers, and that the planned new library, which is set to be constructed at Maisara will accommodate all people of all ages to have access to the materials they need including digital services.

He said that on August 30, this year he launched strategic projects for the strengthening educational infrastructure in Zanzibar and that it will be backed by a 518.06bn/- budget during this fiscal year (2024 /2025). The projects include modern library services.

The Director of the Zanzibar Library Services Board (ZLSB), Ms Ulfat Abdul-Aziz Ibrahim, remarked: “We appreciate the strong attendance at this event. Such gatherings, coupled with book exhibitions, will inspire the community to use libraries more and encourage writing that promotes the aspirations of young people.”

She emphasised the significance of International Literacy Day (ILD), stating, “Books are valuable sources of knowledge.

However, knowledge can also be conveyed through entertainment that fosters creativity, deepens understanding of diverse subjects and aids in learning foreign languages and cultures.”

Minister for Education and Vocational Training, Ms Lela Mohamed Mussa expressed gratitude to President Hussein Mwinyi for allocating significant funds to enhance education, particularly focusing on infrastructure to improve performance.

The Regional Commissioner (RC) for Unguja Urban-West, Mr Idrissa Kitwana Mustapha, encouraged authors and young writers to write books that not only entertain but also contribute to development across various sectors.

He highlighted the importance of documenting the current social, political and economic achievements under President Mwinyi, so that both current and future generations can benefit from this knowledge.

International Literacy Day, celebrated globally by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), focuses on the theme for 2024: ‘Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.’

A global conference and award ceremony for the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes took place on September 9 and 10 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The event highlighted literacy issues in Cameroon and Africa, aligning with the African Union’s Year of Education and future goals.