ALP At Work
Each new library changes the lives of the school’s current student population, as well as its future students. The access to the books and the experience of reading adds gratifying and worthwhile development to a child’s imagination, dreams, character creativity and critical thinking skills. In the many communities that we serve, young people have little to no access to reading materials beyond textbooks (when provided).
We serve Anglophone countries where students are tested in English for standardized exams that are required for advancement. However, these students lack books to support their reading development. This is the gap that our approach to create, improve, and sustain libraries fulfills.
For further testament to our libraries impact, check out personal testaments from ALP Alumni Readers (previous beneficiaries from an ALP library).
Our Network
The African Library Project’s Impact in 2021 included work with 12 Partners impacting over 350,000 students in six countries on the continent of Africa. The collection of books and their shipment was made possible by the work of 217 Book Drive Organizers (individuals and groups).
What types of libraries were created:
-
- 11 Early childhood libraries
- 116 Primary libraries
- 46 Junior High School
- 43 Secondary libraries
- 52 Community libraries
- 8 Other types
2021 Highlights
- 4th highest year in collection of books
- 17,000+ more books shipped compared to 2020.
- Our overall stats increased from 3,316,070 books and 3,197 libraries to 3,616,740 books and 3,463 libraries.
Click on the images to open in another window to view more closely and zoom in/out.
2021 Book Drives
The top 5 states that created libraries were California, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Texas. Book Drives are led by organizer who reside in North America (USA or Canada). Organizers must collect 500 – 1,000 (depending on the size library they choose) books and fundraise to cover the cost to ship to our shipping partner in New Orleans, LA and the international shipping ($125 for half library, $250 for full library). The libraries are collectively packed for a specific country into a shipping container. From that point the container is loaded onto a vessel and voyages across the Atlantic Ocean to its destination.
2021 libraries
The African Library Project has partners in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Uganda and South Africa. In 2021 libraries were shipped to Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, and Uganda. An agreement was made with our partner in South Africa at the end of 2021. Take a closer look at the infographic for exact stats for how many libraries and books were shipped in 2021 and for the names of our partners.
Visit ‘Our Partners‘ webpage for more information on each of the partners. And visit our ‘About Us’ webpage for an interactive map for overall library stats for each country that we’ve worked in.
2021 New Libraries by Country
(Listing of Schools by Country* *Not entirely conclusive of all libraries served.)
In 2021 the African Library Project created or improved libraries in the following African schools and community libraries:
Kenya – 4th Container
- Assar Johnson Primary
- Busakala Secondary
- Emmanuel Mercy Learning Centre
- Friends School Pongola
- Friends’ Secondary School-Misanga Library
- Got Kayayo Adventist School
- Isaac and Esther Luvaga Memorial Library
- Kabuchai Girls Secondary
- Kadika Girls Secondary
- Kibabii University Children’s Library Section
- Kisuri Primary
- Ligodho Mixed Secondary
- Luuya Girls High School
- Motherland Academy
- Mwiruti Secondary
- Namilama Secondary
- Nyamanga Primary
- Nyaroha Mixed Primary
- Nyatindo Mixed Secondary
- Nyora Community Library
- Sanchawa Primary
- Sichei Friends Secondary
- Kizito Mukhweya RC
- Margaret Magunga Academy
- Marys’ Kibabii Girls Boarding Primary
- Peter’s Kodeny Secondary
- Talent Academy Library
- Taragwiti Primary
- Wangaribose Primary
Botswana – 15th Container
- Baratani Primary
- Boipelo Primary
- Boiteko Junior Secondary
- Chichi Junior Secondary
- Ipelegeng Junior Secondary
- Itekeng Junior Secondary
- Kalkfontein Primary
- Kanagas Primary
- Karakubis Primary
- Khuduga Primary
- Khurumela Primary
- Kole Primary
- Lehutshelo Junior
- Letsholathebe 11 Senior Secondary
- Makunda Primary
- Maraka Junior Secondary
- Marakanelo Junior Secondary
- Mathiba 1 Memorial School
- Maun Senior Secondary
- Metsimantsho Primary
- Moeding College
- Mogobane Primary
- Mokaleng Primary
- Ncojane Primary
- New Kanagas Primary
- Orapa Junior Secondary
- Palapye Junior Secondary
- Radisele Junior Secondary
- Shakawe Senior Secondary
- Siga Primary
- Therisano Primary
Lesotho – 13th Container
- Aunty Melidah Pre-School Library
- Boipabolo Junior School Library
- Bolula Primary
- Bophelong Junior Primary
- Chief Joel Mot’soene Library
- Christ the King High
- Corrine Katlehong Primary
- Eagle’s Peak High School Community Library
- Hlotse LECSA Primary
- Horst Shier Alma Pre-School
- Jesus is the Lord Pre-School
- Khanyane Centre of Learning
- Kinder Joy Pre-School
- Lesotho College of Education
- Masowe High School
- Matala Pre-School
- Mohloli-Thuto Pre-School
- Mokoko Primary Scholl
- Molapo High School
- Mona High School
- Ntaote High School
- Paray Primary School
- Paray School of Nursing
- Prestige Medium Primary School (PEMS)
- Reahola Primary School
- Redwitz Prep School
- Sefate Sa Bophelo High School
- Sefate Sa Bophelo Pre-School
- Sefate Sa Bophelo Primary School
- Rodrique High School
- Bernadette Preschool
- Takalaisa Secondary School
- Thaba Tseka High School
- Wisdom Preparation School
UGanda – 3rd Container
- ALEA Community Library
- All Saints Secondary Ociba
- Ark Christian
- BFFF Community Library
- Blessed Seed Secondary – Nakaseke
- Bukedea Union Vision Nursery and Primary
- Bunono Community Library
- Burora Community Library
- Buziga Islamic Theological Institute Primary
- Bwanga Community Library
- Chusa Community Library
- Elgon Wisdom Hall Library
- enjuba ECD Lab School
- Goldhearts for Africa Foundation
- Graben Junior
- Ihunga Community Library
- Kabuga Community Library
- Kashenshero Community Library
- Kayanga Community Library
- Kigata Primary
- Kigulu Cultural Museum
- Kijomoro Secondary School
- Kikulu Zone Community Library
- Kira Municipality Community Library
- Kisilizi Community Library
- Kisuule Primary
- Kiwangala Community Library
- KK Kindergarten and Primary
- Kyaruhotora Community Library
- Lightray Primary
- Lutex Community Library
- Maanga Child Development Centre
- Malwa Umea Primary
- Maracha Secondary
- Michelangelo Library of Creative Arts
- Ndago Community Library
- Nyabushenyi Community Library
- Nyarushanje Community Library and Empowerment Center
- Oriajin Secondary
- Pena Ebenezer Nursery and Primary
- Precious Souls Community Library
- Ruyonza Community Library
- Rwikira Literacy Centre
- Soccer Without Borders Uganda Refugee Youth Resource Center
- Village Girl Community Library
- VOTU Community Library
- Youth Talent Foundation
Malawi – 13th Container
- Alinane Academy
- Alipo II Primary School New Naperi Side
- Ayose Community Library
- Bembe CDSS
- Bevlee CDSS
- Bumbunyika F. P. School
- Chamalire Community Day Secondary
- Chididi
- Chikupira Model Primary
- Chiradzulu Teachers Training College
- Chitawira Primary
- Chitukula CDSS
- Dzenza Mission CDSS
- Dzenza Secondary
- Ehehlen CDSS
- Emmanuel Private Primary
- Emmanuel PVT Secondary
- Exploits University Lilongwe Campus
- God’s Grace Academy
- Jali Community Library
- Kabwabwa CDSS
- Kabwabwa LEA
- Katete Boys Primary
- Kauta Primary
- Kavitengo Primary
- Kholombidzo Primary
- Lilongwe Teachers Training College
- Luviri CDSS
- Machecheta Primary
- Makali Primary
- Mamas Private
- Maphanda Community Library
- Maranatha Institute of Education Pvt Primary
- Mngwangwa CDSS
- Mother Theresa Nursery and Daycare
- Mother Theresa Primary
- Mphunda Atlas Library
- Mphunda Backup Community
- Mphunda Backup Primary
- Mphunda Backup Secondary
- Muwangawokhota Primary
- Mvera AIDS Support Organisation Community Library
- Mvera Youth and Development Solution Community Library
- Mvunguti CDSS
- Mwansambo Secondary
- Namapanga Primary
- Namasimba Primary
- Namikango Junior Primary
- Nchenachena Community Library
- Ndumila Primary
- Ndunde CCAP
- Neno Primary
- Nsondole Community Library
- Ntonda Primary
- Nyengere
- Oasis of Hope Children Church Library
- St John’s Girls Secondary
- Thanganyika Primary
- Tsokakanansi Primary
- Ulumba Full Primary
- Unyolo Primary
- Zingwangwa Youth Skills and Development Centre
Ghana – 11th Container
- Abrenya Basic
- Abrewankor Community Library
- Abunyanya DA Basic
- Abunyanya Primary
- Adaklu Wumenu DA Basic
- Akyem Muronaim JHS
- Anyinasu Ahamdiya Primary & JHS
- Anyinasu DA Primary & JHS
- Ashiabre MA Basic Primary & JHS
- Assemblies of God School
- Awudome Avenui Methodist JHS
- Bakpaba MA Primary & JHS
- Bepututum Basic
- Beremayena DA Basic
- Bethel Academy Primary
- Bincheratanga MA JHS
- Bisignamdo DA Primary & Community
- Bonakye MA Basic
- Brewaniase EP JHS
- Brewaniase MA Basic
- Buoyem SDA Basic
- Chillinga MA Basic
- Churchill International
- Damanko DA JHS B
- Damanko-Baduli DA JHS
- Daniel Classic
- Dzogbefeme DA Basic
- EA JHS
- El-Shaddai Educational Center & Community
- EP Desmonstration JHS
- Extensive Reading Club
- Martin RC JHS
- Gbodome DA Basic
- Gborsike Basic
- Greater Yields International
- Hill of Riches
- Jama Tinponim DA
- Kabonwule DA Primary
- Kecheibi RC Basic
- Keri MA JHS
- Kofi-Akura DA Basic
- Kofi-Nyi ECG Basic
- Kpando Gadza MA Basic
- Kpassa DA JHS A1
- kpassa DA JHS B1
- Kpassa ECG JHS A
- Kwadwo Nkrumah Library
- Lifaldo JHS
- Logba Adzakoe DA/RC Basic
- Makayili JHS & Community
- Mama Akura DA JHS
- Menonnite Academy & Community
- Nabu DA Basic
- Nana Akwasi Awobaa 11 RC
- Nana Akwasi Awobaa 11 SDA
- Nneka Youth Foundation
- Nyambong MA KG/Primary
- Obanda Community Library
- Odumase-Adele MA Basic
- Our Lady of Peace JHS
- Presby JHS &Community
- Pusuga MA JHS
- Queen Jane School
- Sanabu Islamic Basic
- Joseph RC JHS
- The Light Library
where we are headed
In 2021, the Board’s strategic planning retreat led to the formation of realigned strategic goals and objectives. In a broad sense of this narrative, the strategic goals and objectives can be summarized as the following
Ensure Sustainability
Establish an Advisory Council that will cultivate deeper connection to ALP’s mission and community, while also providing specialized advisory expertise to the ALP Board.
Increase Engagement and Growth
- Deepen and diversify relationships and partnerships.
- Develop new programs, including digital programming.
Measure Our Impact
- Create efficient and replicable methodology to implement, monitor and measure the impact of our libraries and their operations.
- Utilize data and case studies to tell the story about our impact.
- Utilize the data and the data-collection process to amplify the voice of African partners, teacher-librarians, school leaders, and readers.
by the numbers
The African Library Project will aim in 2022 to exceed its 2020 and 2021 numbers for total books donated and libraries, in order to get back to its pre-COVID numbers. The goal will be to ship 330 libraries of 330,000 books to 7 countries.
ways to give and support
The African Library Project relies on its general donations to maintain operations, provide library manuals and HIV/AIDS books, covering shipping and storage fees, and expand its mission’s reach. We invite you to be a part of our story by making a monetary contribution to our organization. If you’re interested in stock donations, planned giving or workplace giving programs*, please email donations@africanlibraryproject.org for information on outright gifts, stocks, workplace giving, etc.
Our Blog
A Book Drive Organizer Group Shares Their Experience in Donating 500 Books for a Library in South Africa
In a busy Indian grocery store in the heart of San Jose, California, the air was filled with aromatic spices and the shelves were stocked with colorful items. A young boy explored the aisles, holding The Lost Hero in one hand and pushing the cart with another.
African Library Project’s First 2024 Winners of Presidential Volunteer Service Awards
We are pleased and proud to announce the inaugural winners of the prestigious Presidential Volunteer Service Awards (PVSA). These Awards, administered by Americorps and Points of Light, allow Certifying Organizations – such as the African Library Project – to...
From Aisles of Adventure to Libraries: A Journey with Books and the African Library Project
In a busy Indian grocery store in the heart of San Jose, California, the air was filled with aromatic spices and the shelves were stocked with colorful items. A young boy explored the aisles, holding The Lost Hero in one hand and pushing the cart with another.
Past Summits
View photo albums and more!
- 2024: 8th Biennial Summit took place in Kenya (view photo album)
- 2022: Virtual Sessions (Watch Malawi Session | Watch Kenya Recorded Session)
- 2020: 7th Biennial Summit took place in Lesotho (view photo album)
- 2017: 6th Biennial Summit took place in Botswana (read the blog post)
- 2015: 5th Biennial Summit took place in Ghana (view photo album)
- 2013: 4th Biennial Summit took place in Malawi (view photo album)
- 2011: 3rd Biennial Summit took place in Eswantini (view photo album)
- 2009: 2nd Biennial Summit took place in Lesotho (view photo album)
- 2008: 1st Biennial Summit took place in Botswana (view photo album)
2022 Virtual sessions
Due to COVID-19 policies and enforced travel restrictions, the 2022 Summit was held virtually as two mini sessions. This allowed us to invite everyone who supports our work to join. Although the virtual sessions do not come close to replacing the power of an actual in-person gathering, they did allow for our community to hear from our Malawi and Kenyan Partners to present about their country and best practices for their work. There was also time for an open dialogue for the entire community.
The first session was hosted by the Malawi Partners in April 2022 (watch recording on YouTube) and the second session was hosted by the Kenyan Partners in November 2022 (watch recording on YouTube).