On Monday morning, March 30, the Kopong Community library was already busy. Each computer was being used, young adults occupied the round tables, while a training was taking place in the children’s reading room. Teenager Mary Ledzi Mokgweetsi explained that she comes to this library every day, twice a day. “I read the paper, use the computer, and am very involved with the youth library. We use teamwork and cooperation to help the young students with reading, using the computers, and learning more about different cultures.”
She continued to explain that the library is full in the afternoons. This is where everyone comes after school. There is always a line for the computers. Mary paused for a moment, then smiled and said, “I’m so thankful that they brought the library. We were really struggling before, to find information. Now, as you can see, we have books, papers, magazines, and computers!”
The “thanks” goes to Robert and Sara Rothschild.
In 2006 Robert, a retired engineer, traveled to South Africa to help a friend finish constructing a library. Meanwhile, his wife, Sara, spent a couple of weeks here in Botswana on a Habitat for Humanity project where she helped to build a couple of houses. Their combined experiences made an incredible impact. Rather than taking the opportunity to retire after recently selling their family business, they began a new project. One thing lead to another, and eventually the Robert and Sara Rothschild Family Foundation was born. Sara and Robert worked with the Botswana government and now have a Memo of Understanding (MOU) with the Botswana National Library Service (BNLS). The Foundation builds the libraries while the BNLS provides the land, maintenance, books, and the staff.
Their first library opened in September 2007 in Mannangkodi. Kopong Community Library followed 6 months later and opened in February 2008. The most recent library opened in Ramokgonami in October of 2008. At the end of this month, on April 30, the 4th library will open in Matlhako.
In addition to their partnership with the BNLS, the Gates Foundation is using these libraries for one of their pilot programs. The Gates Foundation not only donated and installed six computers in each library, but is also providing computer trainings.
Sara and Robert are incredibly humble people. Just by talking to them, one wouldn’t realize the scope of the positive difference they are making. In order to understand the magnitude of their hard work, huge hearts, and the impact they’ve made on this country, visit one of their libraries. Even better, attend the opening ceremony on April 30 for thelibrary in Matlhako!
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