Libraries as Portal for Knowledge Driven Rural Community Development Cases from Botswana

Background

Libraries in Botswana are positively impacting the lives of young people in many respects. Significant breakthroughs come as a result of using the computer and Internet free of charge in public libraries. Stories presented in this case include those of a youth trained in a library on how to use computers. After this short training he pursued more studies and researched on ICT. He has now opened an Internet café in Lobatse using the Youth Grant. The business is doing very well and he is now sharing his success story as a way to motivate other people to use libraries as sources of livelihood and potential tools to eradicate poverty.

The government of Botswana through the Ministry of Youth and Culture provides the grant for funding youth. Young people are encouraged to come up with innovative ideas and if found viable, they are funded to start their businesses. Another case is that of a youth who developed his website after being trained in the Lobatse public library. He is now into business of designing and developing sales for shops in and around Lobatse. He has also completed his business plan for website development for businesses using the library facility. The third case presented is that of a young person who used the library books to learn about designing and making an airplane, The young man was able to complete the project and the airplane was tested and was able to fly. His story was broadcasted and shared on the Botswana Television program although this was a one time off report and as such the future of his project remains unknown to the public.

Some libraries are also cultural centers, for example, Mmankgodi Community Library and Cultural Centre. These libraries promote culture and are used intensively during the cultural heritage month of July each year. Throughout the year, community elders are invited to share their rich knowledge with the community especially the young generation to preserve culture. Different people with different skills on local games are invited to share their valuable knowledge. Furthermore, there are youth clubs formed by librarians and youth in the communities, e.g. there is club called My Life, known as Lifeline. Members meet every Saturday at the library or library hall to teach each other about issues affecting the nation like HIV/AIDS, alcohol and drug abuse, wrong associations and gangs. Members of the club are assigned some reading tasks and librarians assist with relevant books and or research materials for each topic.