Zambia Kanyama Bookfeeding

Kanyama Library was officially opened in September 2016 and is the result of the hard work of the local community, the Italian NGO Africa Call and Bookfeeding Project. At the moment we are trying to collect Braille books in English and Chinyanja for children and youth so we can offer reading classes to a number of blind students.. 

On a train on her journey through East and Southern Africa, our Bookfeeder Alena met Africa Call volunteer Michaela. Alena was invited to the Shalom Center in the Kanyama area in Lusaka and upon witnessing the learning energy and interest in books of the people who frequented the center, she exchanged contacts with the organization. That was in 2015. Year later we were contacted by the new long-term volunteer who wanted to start where our last discussion ended. And so our Zambian library was created.

In 2007 Africa Call Organisation established Shalom Center in Kanyama compound, one of the poorest peripheral areas in Lusaka. We decided to focus our interventions on health and education of children with disabilities, who, in such a difficult social and economic context, suffer huge discrimination.

Shalom Center is composed of a school, a clinic, a physiotherapy department, a vegetable garden, a poultry and a training center, which is used for health workshops that are open to the community. Shalom School is a community school with low attendance fees and currently counts about 986 students from grade 1 to 12. It also has 4 classes for the 57 students with special needs, who are cared for by specialized teachers everyday. Since Africa Call promotes inclusive education as part of its mission to break the stigma around disabilities, children with disabilities are integrated within the regular curriculum whenever possible: this year 19 children with special needs are attending regular classes.

The Shalom Library is a vibrant community space with a strong attendance of learners and students engaging in various educational and creative activities. Regular programs include a media club, debate sessions, spelling competitions, and games. The library also hosts a weekly Cineforum, where children and community members gather to watch films together. Afternoon sessions provide opportunities for free play and structured educational activities such as cognitive exercises, brainstorming, reading, and drawing. Science workshops introduce children to topics like the solar system, fossils, and matter through hands-on experiments, making learning interactive and engaging. Additionally, the Emotions Lab offers guided discussions and activities on emotional awareness, welcoming both children with intellectual disabilities and primary school students. The installation of solar panels ensures reliable energy, allowing activities to continue uninterrupted. Beyond reading, the Shalom Library serves as a dynamic hub for workshops, meetings, and community gatherings, fostering education, creativity, and social connection.

The library is sustained by a mix of local and international volunteers. The volunteers are chosen by Africa Call organization and they stay for a year. This library therefore cannot accommodate more short-term volunteers unless they organize their own accommodation. 

ACTIVITIES AT THE SHALOM LIBRARY

Media Club – Weekly club focusing on media and storytelling (Fridays).

• Debate & Spelling Competitions – Interactive learning sessions (Wednesdays).

• Cineforum – Weekly film screenings for children and community (Tuesdays).

• Science Workshops – Hands-on experiments on space, fossils, and matter.

• Emotions Lab – Sessions on emotional awareness for students.

• Free Play & Educational Activities – Reading, drawing, cognitive exercises.

Received Minigrants

• 2022: 500 EUR | The minigrant was used to purchase new furniture for the library and also for small renovations (providing bookshelves, tables and benches) for the students

• 2024: 500 EUR | The fund was used to enable the installation of two solar panels. Zambia’s ongoing drought has resulted in widespread power outages and electricty rations of just three hours a day. The library’s new solar system ensures that it can remain open and functional

People At The Project

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• Current Needs: Braille books

• Established: 2016

• Languages: English, Nyanja

• Accepting volunteers: Yes, but volunteers have to pay for the accommodation or organize their own accommodation

• Local Partner: Africa Call Zambia

ZAMBIA KANYAMA
Bookfeeding Project
Africa Call Org. - Shalom School
Plot N° 5671/M/B Off Mumbwa Road
Kanyama compound P.O. Box 38772
Lusaka