THE JANJA MEMORIAL LIBRARY PROJECT IS COMMITTED TO BUILDING A PUBLIC LIBRARY IN MEMORY OF THE 1994 RWANDA GENOCIDE IN HONOR OF THE VICTIMS AND FAMILIES IN THE BUKONYA AREA

THE SITE OF THE JANJA MEMORIAL LIBRARY IN RWANDA'S NORTHERN PROVINCE


PROJECT BACKGROUND:

It is widely accepted that literacy contributes to economic growth; reduces poverty; promotes democracy; increases civic engagement; prevents HIV/AIDS and other diseases through access to information; and supports the promotion of cultural diversity and acceptance. However, in Rwanda there are striking inconsistencies in the distribution of educational materials. Many living in rural areas of the country are left with disproportionately fewer educational resources which perpetuates the economic disparities that already exist between rural and urban communities.

The Janja Memorial Library Project is a fundraiser to support the building and development of a community library in memory of 1994 Rwanda genocide, and the victims murdered in the Bukonya area. The Janja Memorial Library will serve communities throughout the Gakenke district, a Northern Province of Rwanda. The library is an initiative of the Bukonya Catholic Church and sponsored by the Janja parish priest, Father Bonoventure. 

BUKONYA CATHOLIC PARISH IN JANJA, RWANDA IS SUPPORTING THE LIBRARY PROJECT 


STUDENTS of JANJA, RWANDA 



PROJECT OBJECTIVE:

Currently, the CLOSEST PUBLIC LIBRARY TO JANJA, RWANDA IS IN MUSANZEM, 3.5 HOURS AWAY BY FOOT.  The Janja Memorial Library will provide access to reading and informational resources, cultural activities, and a commemoration exhibit for reflection and education on the history of genocidal violence in Rwanda.  In addition, it will enable the development of local businesses with computer technologies that are simply unaffordable and inaccessible at an individual level, connecting people to surrounding areas, online commerce and distance learning programs. 

Public libraries offer more than just literature. They bring people together and offer a sense of community and belonging. They spark interest and curiosity.  A community library is a place where history comes to life and opens doors to lifelong learning.


PROJECT GOALS:

1.    Construct the Janja Memorial Library, bringing the first library to Gakenke, Rwanda to serve over 340,000 people

2.    Develop sustainable accessibility to books and resources of Rwanda’s history in order to learn through the power of stories about social justice and human rights honoring those who had died during genocide against Tutsi of 1994.

3.    Provide equal access to information and services for all members of the community.

4.    Create and maintain a comprehensive collection of materials to increase reading proficiency.

5.    Nurture and foster the development of lifelong learners by offering enjoyable and informative programs that attract diverse groups to the library

6.    Develop technology to expand and facilitate access to information and the development of local businesses.

WITH YOUR SUPPORT THE JANJA MEMORIAL LIBRARY WILL OPEN  DURING THE ANNUAL GENOCIDE MEMORIAL IN APRIL, 2020.  

THE PROJECT SPONSOR, FATHER BONAVENTURE WITH BROTHER BERTIN AND PEACE CORP VOLUNTEER, LILY CANNON 


IN JANJA, RWANDA MONTHLY COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS ARE MANDATORY 

BEAUTIFUL RWANDA: "THE LAND OF THOUSAND HILLS"