<div>This startup fund has allowed us to start + run <strong>3 community libraries</strong> in Rhino and Imvepi Refugee Camps (Uganda), and ensures that the <strong>libraries can stay open for the next 3 years </strong>to continue serving <strong>3,000+ people.</strong>
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<div><a href="https://creativelearninghaven.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://creativelearninghaven.org/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://creativelearninghaven.org/</a></a>
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<div>Our libraries are built on a strong partnership between 3 refugee-led organizations in Uganda and Creative Learning Haven, led by Lulu Tian.
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<div>Since January 2025, Creative Learning Haven's community libraries in Uganda's Imvepi and Rhino refugee settlements have provided free access to books, literacy classes, creative activities, and learning opportunities for thousands of people.
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<div>Together, we have:
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<li>Reached over 3,000 learners
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<li>Brought more than 3,000 books to the settlements
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<li>Employed 15+ community members
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<li>Created the only community libraries in Imvepi and Rhino with free book borrowing, free literacy classes, and free creative activities
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<li>Opened <strong>3 libraries with 3 local partners: </strong>Imvepi CLH (Hope Rising South Sudan), CLH Ocea - Rhino Camp (Youth Social Advocacy Team), CLH Ariaze - Rhino Camp (Youth for Peace Initiative)
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<div><strong>Today, we urgently need funds to keep the libraries open. </strong>If we don't reach our fundraising goal by the end of year, we may not be able to keep the libraries open due to the cost of rent and Wifi.
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<div>100% of your donation goes to rent, books, materials, Wifi, and on-ground programs. Creative Learning Haven's work has become even more urgent as refugee communities face severe funding cuts. Food rations have been reduced, schools are struggling with overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages, and many organizations have been forced to scale back or close programs entirely.
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<div>Despite these challenges, our dedicated librarians keep our libraries running every day. Our libraries are full and lively each day. Children rush in to read and paint. Students borrow textbooks and spend their days studying during school breaks. Women learn crafts to develop businesses and take literacy classes so they can support their children's learning. Schools regularly turn to our libraries for support because there are so few educational resources available.
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<div>Our fundraising goal guarantees that Creative Learning Haven libraries can stay open.
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<div>If you are able to, please consider making a small monthly donation to ensure the long-term sustainability of our libraries. We're fighting for the right of refugee communities in Uganda to learn independently and empower their futures.
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<div>Peter Hardrock, CLH's Imvepi Team Lead, says:
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<div><strong>"We don't want this generation of South Sudanese, Congolese, or Ugandans to miss the opportunity of education."</strong>
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<div><strong>"Art takes away my stress" </strong>- Meta, youth artist at CLH Imvepi.
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<div>"When you now have the knowledge to read and write,<strong> it's better for you to teach yourself </strong>... It can build you faster than waiting for teachers." - Enock, community member of CLH Imvepi
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<div><strong>"I believe the library is helping us build a better future." </strong>- Lugala, age 13, CLH Ariaze, Rhino Camp
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<div>We believe that learning should not stop because of displacement, poverty, or conflict.
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<div><strong>A bit more about who we serve</strong>
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<div>Creative Learning Haven supports learners in Uganda's Imvepi and Rhino refugee settlements, home to more than 200,000 refugees and host-community members.
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<div>Most families have limited access to books, internet, or educational materials at home. Many learners have experienced years of educational disruption due to conflict and displacement. Our libraries provide free access to resources, mentorship, creativity, and opportunities to continue learning.
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<div>Knowledge is power. Knowledge is peace. Together, we can ensure that learning continues for refugee and host-community families in Imvepi and Rhino.
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<div>Thank you for helping keep these libraries open. Iyete! Shukran!
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Ines Sommer

Sarah Yang

Anonymous

Paula Michienzi

Laura Schulz

Aaliya Hussain

Jason Rhee

MARTHA Thompson

Liang Liu

BSU event Feb 25

Lindsey McGeehan

Isha Smith

Taban Manyok

Ronald Gatzke

Keep Refugee Community Libraries Open in Uganda

Keep Refugee Community Libraries Open in Uganda

Still $9,199 to go. Help us build momentum.