Library Celebration!

“I think when you’ve traveled around a lot in Africa

you understand something that many people here don’t recognize:

the extraordinary power that is Africa at village level – at community level.”

~Stephen Lewis

Me with Madame Rose, the Peace Corps Education Program Director

Thursday we finally had the grand inauguration ceremony for our new library. It was great to see so many people show up to celebrate! I was surprised that two other Peace Corps Volunteers attended as well. The ceremony was comprised of a few small speeches given by the school founder, Mr. Dako, myself, the President of our school’s PTA, the Director of the Public Affairs office at the U.S. Embassy, the Director of Peace Corps Togo’s Gender and Education Program, and the Director of the local Education Department office in Kpalime. 

traditional dancing

Of course, like all ceremonies at schools in Togo, there were also presentations by our students. Two songs were performed (lip synced), a couple of traditional dances, and many poems. I was particularly impressed that all the students memorized their poems, even the ones that were in English!

A rap performance, because why not? right?

The biggest surprise for me was when the school's founder announced that the library will be named after me, La Biblioteque Emily Brown. I was not expecting that. It is very comforting to know that even after I leave Togo, students and teachers for years to come will be able to benefit from the work we have done here. It is the lasting mark I am leaving in Kpalime, but it was truly a community effort. I couldn’t have done any of it without the help of all the people who donated to my project, along with the hardworking painters, tile workers, electricians, carpenters, students who helped with the world map, and the constant support of our school director, Mr. Dako. Thank you ALL so much! I especially want to thank my mom, who has been very generous in sending French children’s books to our school. I plan to continue to donate books to the library every year, after my return to America. 

Ribbon cutting by the Embassy Public Affairs Director 
and Kpalime's Education Inspector

Two boxes of books given by the U.S. Embassy!