On the morning of February 3rd, 2025, with children's laughter filling the air and a ribbon of green — KAKAF's colour — stretched across a freshly painted doorway, the Kaleke Kasome Foundation officially opened its first ever Community Library in the heart of Mpigi District.
It was a moment years in the making. For many of the children who flooded through the doors that morning, it was the first time they had ever stepped inside a library. For some, it was the first time they had ever held a book that was not a school textbook.
The Problem We Set Out to Solve
In Mpigi District, the nearest public library has historically been inaccessible — either too far away, too expensive to reach, or simply nonexistent. Children who want to read beyond their school texts have nowhere to go. Students who need quiet time to study cannot find a safe, peaceful environment at home, where overcrowding is common.
The result is a deeply underserved reading culture. Children fall behind, lose the habit of reading early, and struggle with literacy levels that affect their academic performance for years to come. The community library is our answer to this problem — direct, local, and free.
Inside the Library
Stocked with over 500 books carefully selected across genres and age groups — from picture books for the youngest readers to textbooks, storybooks, science literature, and English language readers for older students — the library is organized into clearly labelled sections so children can browse easily and independently.
"When I walked in and saw all the books, I didn't know where to start. I stayed for four hours on the first day. My mother came looking for me!" — Aisha, 11, one of the first library members
What the Library Offers
- Free reading and borrowing for all registered children
- Quiet study spaces for homework and exam preparation
- Weekly storytelling sessions for younger children
- Computer access (linked to our digital skills program)
- Reading clubs and peer discussion groups
- A small reference collection for teachers and parents
How the Library Was Built
The library was made possible through a combination of donor funding, in-kind book donations from international partners, and the incredible volunteer labour of our community members who painted, shelved, and decorated the space before opening day. It truly belongs to the community — because the community built it together.
"This library is a beacon. Knowledge is now accessible to every child in Mpigi District, regardless of what their parents earn. That is what KAKAF stands for." — KAKAF Executive Director
Join Us in Keeping the Doors Open
A library's greatest resource is not its books — it is the children who use it. We are committed to keeping this space free, open, and growing. We need ongoing support to restock books, maintain the facility, and expand our storytelling and reading club programs. Every book donated, every shilling given, ensures one more child gets the gift of reading.
Help Grow Our Library
Donate books, fund new shelves, or sponsor a reading club session for a group of children.
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