Staff Reporter
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every child has access to safe, inclusive and resource-rich learning environments, following the commissioning of a refurbished Children’s Corner at Kwekwe City Central Library.
Kwekwe District Development Coordinator Fortune Mpungu officially opened the facility on Friday, describing it as a key milestone in efforts to promote literacy and child development.
The Children’s Corner was refurbished at a cost of US$2 600 and stocked with books valued at £16 000, including more than 3 100 international titles and over 300 locally authored publications.
Speaking at the event, Mpungu acknowledged the challenges faced by public libraries, including limited resources, ageing infrastructure and increasing demand for services, but said government remains committed to improving access to quality learning spaces.
“Despite these challenges, the Government of Zimbabwe remains committed to ensuring that every child has access to safe, welcoming and resource-rich environments where they can read, play and learn,” he said.
The initiative was supported by Book Aid International with funding from the People’s Postcode Lottery and implemented locally by the Edward Ndlovu Memorial Trust.
Mpungu said the new facility is expected to benefit more than 1 000 children in Kwekwe, adding that librarians have been trained to ensure effective service delivery and outreach.
He noted that the project aligns with national development priorities, including the government’s policy thrust of inclusive growth and the principle of leaving no one and no place behind.
“This Children’s Corner is not just a local project but a direct contribution to national development priorities,” Mpungu said, referencing broader government strategies aimed at social and economic transformation.
The refurbished space features child-friendly furniture, murals and a reading environment designed to encourage creativity and learning.
Mpungu described it as “more than a reading space,” but a safe environment where children can explore knowledge and imagination.
He also emphasized the importance of safeguarding children within such facilities, saying the government is committed to protecting the welfare, dignity and safety of all children accessing library services.
Mpungu commended stakeholders involved in the project, including the Edward Ndlovu Memorial Trust, librarians and community members, for their role in bringing the initiative to fruition.
He urged parents, teachers and the wider community to make use of the facility and support its sustainability through active participation.
The Children’s Corner is also expected to extend its reach beyond the library through outreach programmes targeting schools and community groups, broadening access to reading materials across Kwekwe.
