Tanzania Ukonga Bookfeeding

We received the application for this library in December 2015. The members of the community struck us as a hard working individuals who were especially invested in the future of their youth. Seeing the value of sports in keeping their youth fit and off the streets, they had founded a basketball team for the local children. However, they also knew the worth of education in raising strong and resilient children with prospects of a better future.

Ukonga is a vibrant community on the outskirts of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. More than 100,000 inhabitants live there and among them a very promising young generation.

Ukonga Basketball Academy (UBA) is a recent informal organization that took up the challenge of inspiring this young generation. The library was a dream for UBA because its mission is to engage youngsters in basketball, but moreover to guarantee that all of them will be able to fight for a brighter future. Sports play a huge role, but education is the key. The players themselves take part in organising activities within the library such as English classes, life skills workshops focusing on nutrition, or study sessions as preparations for national exams.

The founder and the heart of this organization, Denis Lipiki, has donated one room of his house to transform into the Library of Ukonga, the first of its kind in the surroundings. The library is open to the whole community and overseen by some of the young basketball players, giving them the chance to learn some new skills and use the time to read or do their homework. Our aim is to reach as many other people in the community as possible and to develop workshops and study sessions accessible to everyone.

Ukonga's newest library is located only (!) 5km away from the Julius Nyerere International airport in Dar Es Salaam. Bring your books and pay this community a visit! The library is mainly used by the basketball players and kids and students living nearby. It is rather a small library but the heart of all involved people is huge and that is what counts.

People at the Project

Denis

Denis is the coach of the basketball teams, and loves to see his teams, mainly the women team, winning and advancing in the Tanzanian league. He is very nice and always ready to help. Denis will help you answer any questions you might have.

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Current Needs: games/board games for kids and adults, dictionaries Swahili-English, Swahili books, audio-recorder + audiobooks, map to hang on the wall, bean bags, small carpet
Established: January 2017
Languages: Swahili, English
Accepting volunteers: Yes
Local Partner: Ukonga Basketball Academy