The LCRC Story
Completed in 2016, the Madaraka Nyerere Library and Community Resource Center (LCRC) was envisioned by members of the community to be a center for learning. Since opening its doors to the public, it has become a place where learners of all ages come to listen to stories, study for classes, access the internet, find resources, and share ideas. Bringing this vision to life has been a journey that continues to get better with each passing year. Through collaboration, dedication, and the generosity of thousands, the LCRC is a one-of-a-kind educational facility.
Part 1: Passing Bricks
A Community Vision
In the early 2000s, a community organization called UMABU developed a strategic plan for its collection of villages in the Rural Musoma District. That plan called for the construction of a 'kituo cha kusoma' or 'center for learning.' This would be a place for all members of the community to gather, learn, and share ideas.
Developing Plans
As the construction of a girls' dormitory at Neygina Secondary was nearing completion, TDS made a commitment to help bring the vision for a community library to life. With the help of the Chicago chapter of Architecture for Humanity, community members and volunteers turned a concept into a set of construction drawings. Wor
Climbing Kili and Passing Bricks
Building a modern library facility would take a significant amount of funding. A key strategy for TDS to be able to raise enough funds to complete the LCRC in a timely fashion was leading several adventure fundraisers up Mount Kilimanjaro. In total, nearly fifty volunteers scaled the tallest peak in Africa and raised more than $150,000 towards the LCRC. Kilimajaro Climbs have become one of our best fundraising strategies, and the most fun!
With funding secured, construction on the LCRC officially started in 2012. Over the next four years, dozens of volunteers and hundreds of community members would come together to help construct the building. From passing rocks for the foundation to making bricks for the walls to painting doors and windows, the LCRC was built by families and friends, together.
Part 2: From Bricks to Books
A New Mission
With the construction of the LCRC completed, TDS faced a decision to continue working in the same way that it had -- funding the construction of school buildings -- or pivot to something new. With such a large investment into constructing the LCRC, the board did not want to see it become another empty building left to crumble with time. Instead, TDS committed to investing in the resources that would truly make the LCRC a modern learning center.
Buying books...a lot of them.
An initial donation of books to the LCRC filled out a reference section with sets of textbooks that secondary school students could use to study, but that wasn't the vision. With the support of librarians in Dar es Salaam, a carefully curated wish list of books for all ages in English and Swahili, and published in East Africa, was developed. Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of donors and another successful Kili climb fundraiser, that wish list of books was turned into a purchase order.
The LCRC now has a collection of more than 10,000 books, including more than 3,500 books in Swahili. It is the largest collection of books in a community library in the country.
Student-built computer labs
A lucky encounter in 2019 resulted in a new partnership with Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology, which resulted in a unique approach to building two planned computer labs at the LCRC. Instead of just purchasing computers, professors and students from the university taught students to build computers using Raspberry Pi kits. The weeklong immersive experience resulted in incredible learning outcomes while also connecting the LCRC to the internet.
Part 3: A Culture of Reading
A Strong Foundation
There are not many opportunities for education before children start primary school in the Rural Musoma area. One of the first programs that was offered after the LCRC opened its doors to the public was a pre-primary reading program. Children aged four and five spend a half-day being introduced to foundational concepts of literacy and numeracy. The program quickly became popular and about 100 children have been enrolled since it began.
The program has also successfully prepared participating children for primary school, with 100% of students meeting the entry requirements for primary school.
A Little Extra Help
In addition to the pre-primary program, the LCRC also offers a reading class for students in early primary school who are a little behind. This program has been helpful in getting students brought up the standard reading expectations for their grade.
Adult Resources
A conscious effort to include reading materials for adults was made when curating books for the LCRC. An area farmer's co-operative has taken advantage of this to check out books on agriculture and build their knowledge of best practices.
Reading Circles
The most recent program introduced at the LCRC is called Reading Circles. In an effort to promote reading within communities, volunteers and teachers now host reading circles within their villages and schools. The program is the vision of LCRC staff to engage the community and encourage community members to share stories as a way to bring people together.
Support the LCRC
The LCRC is unique. Not many communities in rural Tanzania have access to the resources available at the LCRC. Help make sure it can continue to provide these resources by donating to the LCRC today.
