Introduction to the Library Project

In northern Ghana, a small village named Larabanga is struggling with big problems. Fortunately, the people there are standing up to their troubles and working towards a solution.

The future of any community depends on its children, and the future Of the children depends on their education. In Larabanga, parents want to send their children to school but the expenses are high. In addition to the school fees, the family cannot always afford to lose the help of a child who has gone away to school.

Most of the people in Larabanga are farmers. The children in these families work as hard as their parents. When the children are attending school, they can no longer work on the farm. Without the child's help, the rest of the family may be literally unable to put food on the table.

If the children cannot be spared to go away for an education, then one alternative is to bring the education to the children. A big step In that direction was reached in 2001 when a newly-built library opened in Larabanga. For the students of Larabanga, it is the first step of many. Now they have begun a campaign to make the library a place where all children can learn while staying close to home.

A library is primarily a place to find and use books. The Larabanga Library is a fine building but it has not yet been well stocked. The students are looking for donations of all sorts of books, particularly those that will help them with their school studies. Primary school and middle school textbooks, or study guides, will be a big help.

A library can also be a community center. Young people in the village of Larabanga, whether or not they attend school, often have idle time with no constructive diversions. Boredom, combined with a desire to become engaged with the world, can drive children to urban centers, where the potential for trouble is great.

If the library served as a place for young people to meet and learn, it could save them from being drawn away from home to the big city. Young girls are particularly at risk. The only work for them in the city may be as a "kayayoo," the local term for a girl who carries market goods in a tray on her head. With no one to protect them, these girls are in danger of having unwanted pregnancies, or contracting HIV/AIDS and other sexual transmitted diseases.

Larabanga is a Islamic community with a long tradition of education. Parents understand the benefits of having a well-educated child. With the library as a community center, open to all members of the community, parents will be encouraged to support their children's efforts to learn.

In addition to academics, the library is a good place to teach the children religion and social values, supplementing the work of the mosque. Small children can come to the library to play games in a learning environment, preparing them for the day when they will have the opportunity to go to school.

The library can provide many services. The students of Larabanga are excited by the possibilities. Their enthusiasm will go further with the support of the larger community beyond their village. If you are able to help in any way, big or small, please send email to larabanga_library_project@yahoo.com or send a letter to:

The Larabanga Library Project
Post Office Box TL 239
Tamale, Northern Region
Ghana, West Africa

Thank you for your interest in this project. Even small deeds can have a big effect when the needs are great.