CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The EDC-L3 Initiative in Rwanda conducted field activities in February and March 2016 to distribute Community Mobile Library (CML) books to new communities and support existing community libraries.
2016 · 123 pages

Abstract
The Equity and Parent Partnership Task Leader, Origene Rutayisire, led the field visit, which focused on distributing remaining CMLs and working on CML long-term sustainability. Local CSOs interested in sponsoring the CMLs were identified, and CML books were distributed to 15 sites in Eastern, Southern, and Western provinces. The sites visited included Matimba, Rurenge, Ruramira, Jarama, Juru, Ruhuha, TTC Save, Mamba, Ruramba, Uwinkingi, Mpanda, Nyagahanga, Busetsa, Mibirizi, and Kanjongo. Thirteen existing CMLs were visited, and two additional CMLs were distributed. As a result of the visit, CMLs were relocated, two were reactivated, and long-term sustainability was discussed for all libraries. Local education officials, including Sector Education Officers and Sector Executive Secretaries, were consulted on the long-term sustainability of the CMLs. Two major challenges were encountered during the field activities. The first challenge was related to CML long-term sustainability, as the current system relies on passionate individuals who voluntarily take time to organize and mobilize communities around the library. If the key person leaves the community, the CML activities are often interrupted. The second challenge was the lack of Kinyarwanda titles for adults' interest in the L3 CMLs. Recommendations were made to address these challenges. A coordinated long-term sustainability plan was proposed, which includes the support and effort from local authorities and community-based structures. The plan involves meeting with Vice Mayors of districts in charge of social affairs to discuss ways to put in place a coordinated "platform" involving those people and structures intervening in community mobilization at different levels. Additionally, it was recommended to reach out to government institutions and other partners to advocate for additional reading materials. The field activities report highlights the progress made in distributing CML books and supporting existing community libraries. However, it also emphasizes the need for a coordinated long-term sustainability plan to ensure the continued success of the CMLs. The report provides a detailed account of the challenges encountered and the recommendations made to address them. The EDC-L3 Initiative has made significant progress in establishing and supporting community libraries in Rwanda. The initiative has distributed CML books to new communities and supported existing libraries, improving access to reading materials for rural communities. However, the long-term sustainability of these libraries remains a challenge, and a coordinated plan is needed to ensure their continued success. The report highlights the importance of community involvement and local support in the sustainability of the CMLs. The initiative has worked with local education officials and community leaders to establish and manage the libraries, and this collaboration is crucial for their long-term success. The report also emphasizes the need for additional reading materials, particularly Kinyarwanda titles for adults' interest, to support the continued growth and development of the CMLs. Overall, the EDC-L3 Initiative has made significant progress in improving access to reading materials for rural communities in Rwanda. However, the long-term sustainability of the CMLs remains a challenge, and a coordinated plan is needed to ensure their continued success. The initiative's focus on community involvement and local support is crucial for the sustainability of the CMLs, and additional reading materials are needed to support their continued growth and development.
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USAID DEC