EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT

In the past several years, great strides have been made in the fight against illiteracy in Kenya. The introduction of free education by the government and several concerted efforts to implement an adult literacy programs are clear signs that the fight has well focused objectives and moving in the right direction. The vision to make primary literacy universal and an inalienable fundamental human right is one of the greatest milestones in the fight against innumerable injustices which could adequately be prevented though sound education. The literacy rate for adults is approaching 70%, with youth literacy exceeding 80% (UNESCO 2004). In addition, the gap between male and female literacy is beginning to close. This phenomenon is occurring in many countries throughout Africa. With this effort to increase the literate population comes a major problem: supplying newly literate people with reading material so that they can retain their skills.

There are above sixty lerning institutions in Rangwe Constituency, but not even a single Public library. Public libraries are one way to provide people with reading material and alternative to bail the family from annual book investments; however, public libraries have shown little success in Africa due to many reasons that can only be put in summary in this sort of a paper. However, an alternative to public libraries that has shown great promise in providing communities with reading materials and other services is the community library. The focus of this proposal is one such alternative: the Community Library, which is becoming increasingly famous and successful providing books, information, and access to global connectivity through the internet and general educational opportunities to rural areas in Africa

The Homa Bay Community Library is a colossal proposal by the Marowa Community Health Organization. This proposal is diverse and broad in scope of which the realization of its objective will bring together the contribution of both local and international community. The project has been designed by educators based on research, as well as materials and lessons of a relevant case study in Uganda. The project will be located in Homa Bay Area and its benefits would be shared all over Rangwe constituency. The overall cost of the project will be Kshs.20,000,000/- covering a period of twenty four months during which we aim to make the project sustainable through carefully designed and well implemented integrated activities that generate income to the Library.