My name is Astou Ndiaye Toure, from Meckhe (Mékhé), Senegal. In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world, a majority of countries imposed a temporary closure of schools. This situation disrupted learning and disrupted student’s lives, especially with regard to the most vulnerable and marginalized children. Senegal was not exempt from such measures. At schools, only students in examination periods could take lessons. The other students and young people during this time have no other leisure than to hang out or play outside. This increases the harmful environment to the risks of contamination from the COVID-19 virus. In order to encourage children to read and ensure the continuity of their learning, I have set up a library to educate and enable children, young people and adults. People of all backgrounds are welcome to read and write. I strive as a Global Literacy Ambassador to address literacy challenges and facilitate learning opportunities for children in this time of disruption. The advantages of the library are:

– To strengthen the children of Meckhe in school, by achieving better academic results with the use of course support books from the library.

– To provide a quiet place to study for young people and school children.

– To provide literacy classes for students to practice reading.

– To bring new information and knowledge to the community.

– To provide a place to organize adult education courses.

– To provide a place of recreation that supports numerous children, school children and young people.

To encourage me to continue our commitment and achieve our goal, on August 7th, 2020, I received a donation of books for my library from Ms. Oulimata Sarr, Regional Director of UN Woman for West and Central Africa.