September 12, 2016; 7:43 pm

SLG works closely with key local actors to implement demand-driven library initiatives to respond to the literacy needs of vulnerable children. Key to achieving this is through partnership with Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and educational institutions.

SLG’s philosophy is to partner with CBOs and local structures to design and implement custom-made interventions based on the needs of the communities we serve. These grassroots community actors have a firm grasp and nuanced understanding of the area’s cultural, historical and social issues, including local languages and other key  cultural components that influence literacy, education and learning. We adopt a participatory program design that equips community representatives with necessary tools and training, SLG’s role reduces to that of a facilitator. Our partners continue to receive training and support from SLG and assistance developing customized programs that respond to specific community needs, but they drive key decisions and program activities.

Some key interventions demand-driven initiatives include The Mobile Library – a van stocked with literacy resources – makes weekly trips to remote rural communities and educationally vulnerable youth. The children self-educate by browsing the collection and engage in student-centered leaning to improve their general literacy. Mentoring programs also run from the location, aided by local volunteer community members. Our Book Chest supports training these volunteers through developing teacher activity manuals, accompanying the weekly boxed reading and study materials. This helps address the lack of schools and teachers in economically-challenged areas and involves the community to encourage learning. The Street Library App focuses on digitally recording, sharing and preserving valuable oral histories in the form of stories, memories and local tales. Due to the low literacy rate, these significant cultural narratives cannot be written, so face the risk of being lost forever. This project is also being implemented in Liberia, Mozambique and Cameroon.