COLIMA (Community Libraries of Malawi) began as a fundraising effort to re-build/re-open the Kwakupokela Community Library in Northern Malawi. The library re-opened its doors in 2018 and was fully embraced by its community. That location is now operated by the neighboring Day School and so we moved our Community Library location in 2024 to the nearby community of Lukalazi in the previously shuttered Mary Martha Library.
We are currently asking for financial support to continue to advance the Kwakupokela Community Library in it's new location. All monetary donations from our fundraising efforts will be used to:
Pay our librarian a stipend/living wage
Purchase additional textbooks for the Kwakupokela Community Library that encompass the curriculum of the nearby Primary and Secondary Schools. Our immediate priority are books for grades 1-8.
Purchase solar lamps to allow patrons to be able to read/work after sunset.
Perform building maintenance and upgrades as required.
Community Libraries of Malawi New Location
All books were successfully relocated to our new location
Primary students are relishing resources at Mary Martha. We would love to purchase more school books for grades 1-8.
Unlike the National Library located in the City of Mzuzu, our Community Library is available to everyone, free of charge.