Mobile Library ‘Kitabus’ Revolutionizes Literacy for Pupils in the DR Congo
In the bustling city of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu in the Democratic Republic Of The Congo (DRC), an innovative initiative is transforming the educational landscape. The Kitabus, a mobile library designed to promote literacy among pupils, is bringing books and a love for reading to schools across the region. The name “Kitabus” is a fusion of “Kitabu,” meaning book in Swahili, and “Bus,” the vehicle that makes this mobile library possible. This initiative, spearheaded by the French Institute of Bukavu, aims to promote basic education by providing access to books aligned with the Congolese education curriculum.
Expanding Access to Literature
Kitabus offers a diverse collection of reading materials, including novels, fables, manga, and educational manuals. This variety ensures that students have access to a broad spectrum of genres and topics, catering to different interests and promoting a culture of reading. Upon arriving at schools, the mobile library sets up an inviting space both inside the bus and in the school courtyards, allowing students to immerse themselves in reading for two hours.
In Bukavu, a city with a population of 3 million but fewer than five public libraries, Kitabus addresses critical issues of mobility and the low interest in reading. The initiative ensures that students, who typically only have access to textbooks, are exposed to a wider range of literature. This exposure is not only captivating for the students but also instrumental in developing their reading skills and overall literacy.
Fostering a Love for Books
Students at Le Progres School Complex, one of the institutions benefiting from Kitabus, have expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative. Bizimana Johanna, a pupil at the school, shared her excitement, saying, “At this moment, I am reading ‘L’atelier de Roxanne.’ I feel comfortable and happy to be here and see the books. It will help me write, read well, consult, and love books.”
The impact of Kitabus extends beyond just providing books. It instills a love for reading in children, fostering their intellectual and personal growth. For Patrick Zezé IRENGE, a school teacher, stimulating a love of reading in children and young people is crucial. “The creative youth intervention aims to enhance the potential of young people. We know very well that through reading, young people learn a lot, especially to be autonomous in many ways,” he said.
Supporting Educational Development
ENABEL, the Belgian development agency supporting this project, views eliminating poverty as starting with basic education. By providing access to books and promoting literacy, Kitabus is preparing a generation capable of addressing the developmental challenges facing the DRC. This initiative adds significant value to the school program, engaging students during their downtime and contributing to strengthening the Congolese educational system.
Modeste Bushishi, the director of Le Progres School Complex, sees Kitabus as a crucial addition to their educational resources. “This means that after this activity, our children will be able to use manuals, and this project is here to foster a love of reading in our children at the Le Progrès School Complex,” he said.
A Pioneering Initiative
Kitabus is the first mobile library initiative in the DRC, setting a precedent for promoting access to reading and literacy. By bringing books directly to students, the project is overcoming barriers to reading and enriching the educational experiences of young learners. This pioneering effort lays the groundwork for further initiatives aimed at enhancing literacy and education in the region.
As Kitabus continues to tour schools in Bukavu, it stands as a testament to the power of innovative solutions in addressing educational challenges. By making literature accessible and engaging, Kitabus is not only boosting literacy rates but also inspiring a new generation of readers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
