DMF Supports The Opening Of MindMe Pirates Community Library
On 11th May 2019, the MindMe Pirates Community Library (in the informal settlement of Mathare) was inaugurated. The initiative of setting up the library was inspired by one young man’s dream that led him to start off an organization- MindMe International (MMI) to empower communities through sustainable development.
MMI saw a need to set up a basic library at Pirates Youth Self Help Group Centre in Mathare as a vital educational and social resource for this vast slum area. The founder of MMI- John Wambugu said that the library will go along way in helping to support and develop life-long learning and literacy skills of the slum children of Mathare enabling them to participate and contribute positively to the community in the future.
MMI and the local community were grateful for the generous donation received from Desai Memorial Foundation (DMF) of over 1,000 books. The books were presented by representatives of the Foundation- the Convener of the library and Education Re-source Committee- Mukesh Desai, Executive Officer- Agnes Gomes and Alex Muhia (pictured below). The event was also graced by Mlango Kubwa Ward MCA Hon Patricia Mutheu and Area Chief Mrs Kamwara.
The library will serve over 1,000 families in the community. Community members will be trained to become librarians, space managers and tutors so they can, in turn, teach the younger age groups on the use of digital technology platforms that will mainly encompass the use of computers in time.
A tree was planted at the site in memory of the late Manilal Ambalal Desai. Desai played a very important role in the fight against the inequalities and racial prejudice that existed in Kenya until he died at an early age 1926.
