VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

Thank you very much for your interest in volunteering to help build and sustain Rwanda's first public library, which is currently under construction in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

The library will support literacy and education, particularly among Rwandan youth. Once the library is operational, we plan to fund and facilitate additional projects such as branch and mobile libraries.

With such broad and long-term goals, we enthusiastically welcome your help. We seek to collect funds and materials (such as books and computers) for the library. While the library is still being built, having enough funds for construction is our highest priority and most pressing need.

There are numerous ways you can make a valuable contribution to the Kigali Public Library project:

1) Become a Member: Join any of the three partner organizations working on the Kigali Public Library project, each of which is fundraising for and raising public awareness about the Kigali Public Library. To join the Kigali Public Library committee of the Rotary Club of Kigali-Virunga, Rwanda, in Kigali, Rwanda, email committee president Gerald Mpyisi at gmpyisi@yahoo.com. To join the American Friends of the Kigali Public Library, which is based in Washington, DC, or Marshall Scholars for the Kigali Public Library, which is based in Oxford, England, please email AFKPL and MSKPL president Zachary Kaufman at zachary.kaufman@aya.yale.edu.

2) Host Fundraisers: Hold fundraisers in your own community. Fundraising events can take several forms. Examples of past and upcoming fundraisers include an African Dance Party and talent show, a dinner and auction, and fundraising speeches at Rotary Clubs. We encourage you to consider the resources for such events available to you in your community and feel free to consult AFKPL, MSKPL, and Rotary Club members for fundraising ideas or guidance. For information on how to instruct interested donors in making a contribution to the Kigali Public Library, please click here.

3) Write Grant Applications: Provide assistance with researching and soliciting grants from foundations, businesses, individuals, or other philanthropic organizations. To do so, please email AFKPL Grants Committee Chairperson Janet Labuda at janetlabuda@hotmail.com.

4) Raise Public Awareness: If you have a background or interest in publicity, help raise public awareness about the Kigali Public Library to inform others about the project and to encourage them to offer their support. If you are interested in assisting in such publicity efforts please email AFKPL and MSKPL president Zachary Kaufman at zachary.kaufman@aya.yale.edu.

5) Provide Library Expertise: If you have a background in library sciences, consider joining the AFKPL Library Committee. To do so, please email AFKPL Library Committee Chairperson Page Brannon at p_brannon@hotmail.com.

6) Organize Book Drives: We also welcome donations of new (or possibly used) books, furniture, and computers, particularly if the donations come with free shipment to Rwanda. For more information on donations of books, furniture, or computers, please contact AFKPL Board Member Michael Rakower at mrakower@hotmail.com.

We very much appreciate your interest in the Kigali Public Library. Thank you.

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