Our goal of $27,000 supports the first 1-2 years of our 2 libraries, 8 full-time staff, 6+ part-time staff, 6+ free activities, 6+ mobile library locations, and 1,000+ beneficiaries. We are the only community libraries there with free book borrowing, free literacy classes, and free creative activities. We believe in the power of providing free resources, mentorship, and capacity-building.
100% goes into daily operations, librarian + volunteer wages, and procuring books and materials. Currently, our libraries are 100% crowdfunded -- your support is what keeps us running.
"We don't want this generation of South Sudanese, Congolese, or Ugandans to miss the opportunity of education" - Peter Hardrock (CLH Imvepi Team Lead)
We support learners in Uganda's Imvepi and Rhino refugee settlements (population: 200,000+). We started because we heard a clear need for books, educational materials, and support for struggling schools -- we did not want to waste any more time! Most people lack books, internet, or learning materials at home, but they now have them at CLH.
You can guarantee 1 more day for a library with just $20: this means open reading, book borrowing, 6+ activities, 6+ mobile libraries, 8 full-time librarians, and 6+ part-time volunteers!
These libraries are 100% crowdfunded. Please help us support this essential project -- any contribution goes a long way.
- $6: Buys new paint for students who visit 2+ times/week to paint
- $8: Puts one more Ugandan curriculum book (the most requested book) on our shelves
- $10 / month: Provides weekly literacy classes for kids
- $20: average operating cost for 1 day of 1 library's activities
- $36 / month: Provides Wifi to one library
- $80 / month: Funds mobile libraries for 4 remote locations and 2 primary schools.
For other ways to donate, email [email redacted].
100% of your donations support:
- Books, equipment, furniture
- Staff + facilitator stipends -- all are local refugees or Ugandans
- Weekly activities + mobile libraries (bringing books to remote locations)
Additional Information:
Creative Learning Haven (CLH) started in January 2025.
Why are libraries essential for refugees in Imvepi and Rhino?
- Schools are struggling: Some have 300 students : 1 teacher. Most don't have enough space for students to read even if they have books. Schools have turned to our libraries for support, and we have a close relationship.
- Limited access to internet + books: many people don't have smartphones or data, and there are no book stores in the camps.
- Education disrupted by war and poverty: "Our children are lacking knowledge, especially the South Sudanese who came from the war place." 95% of CLH visitors are from South Sudan, a country with major internal conflicts since 2013. Many people's education was paused for 2+ years, also leading to high drop-out rates
Our goals:
- Guarantee that learning continues despite challenges with formal education, displacement, and poverty.
- Expand access to books and creative activities with a physical library space and mobile activities
- Provide an additional educational space to existing schools and NGO/non-profit programs.
- Shape new futures for refugees and Ugandan nationals by creating a culture of independent learning, literacy, and creative exploration
"When you now have the knowledge to read and write, it's better for you to teach yourself ... It can build you faster than waiting for teachers." - Enock, our friend and carpenter who constructed our shelf (Imvepi).
Knowledge is power, and knowledge is peace. We hope to build the futures of Uganda, South Sudan, and refugees in Rhino & Imvepi camps.
Read our May Update Report for more!
CLH is implemented by Hope Rising South Sudan (HoRiSS), Youth Social Advocacy Team (YSAT) Uganda, and Luyao (Lulu) Tian, with the support of Hope Foundation Uganda and UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency).
My name is Lulu Tian, and I am a documentary filmmaker who started Creative Learning Haven with YSAT and HoRiSS. I first spent time in Uganda's Rhino and Imvepi Refugee settlements working with MIT D-Lab to film different projects. While in the settlements, I heard a clear need for books from community members, and our collaboration started from there.
MIT D-Lab, with whom I have been working as a documentarian, has been working with Uganda's Rhino and Imvepi Refugee Settlements for several years now with Creative Capacity Building programs.
CLH is also looking to partner with schools, youth groups, educational initiatives, or any interested individuals/groups who would like to volunteer, fundraise, or participate in a cultural exchange. We are building bridges between Uganda, America, South Sudan -- we believe in an interconnected world.
We are beyond grateful for your support and attention to this project! Thank you so so much! Iyete aduma (thank you in Kakua)! Shukran (thank you in Arabic)!
Organizer
Lulu Tian
Organizer
Winchester, MA