https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/1555 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 05:13:15 GMT 2026-04-11T05:13:15Z https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/5569 Title: Advocacy for School Library Development: Lessons learnt from the Matenda School Library Project in Zimbabwe.2015: IASL Conference Proceedings (Maastricht, Netherlands): The School Library Rocks: Living it, Learning it, Loving it. Authors: Hosea Tokwe Abstract: The paper focuses on describing the importance and value for development of Rural School Libraries in Africa in order to overcome the increasing gap between the information rich and the information poor that currently threatens educational achievement in remote and inaccessible rural schools. It further discusses that main challenges faced when establishing and developing a rural school library to ensure that the socially excluded rural children have access to reading material. The question is - What are the materials and human resources needed to overcome these challenges. In conclusion, the paper offers recommendations that urge the government to establish School Library Service and to enact legislation to address the needs of rural schools in terms of infrastructure, equipment, material resources, appropriate manpower and the introduction of ICTs in rural schools to foster vital knowledge necessary to address local needs. Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/5569 2021-02-22T00:00:00Z Hosea Tokwe https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/123456789/5200 Title: The IFLA Global Vision Project in Zimbabwe : towards a unified field road map for libraries Authors: Nyarai Patience Chibanda; Collence Takaingenhamo Chisita Abstract: The development of libraries in any country is critical for its socio-economic transformation, especially in the 21st century where access to information and knowledge has become the key factor in production. In support of this thinking, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) launched its Global Vision project in 2017, which has attracted the participation of over 190 countries worldwide. For most nations, this project has indeed created platforms for championing strong and united library associations that contribute towards developing literate, informed and participative societies. A number of countries in Africa have taken the initiative to participate in the IFLA Global Vision project, and Zimbabwe is no exception. This article seeks to examine the challenges and opportunities for Zimbabwe as a participant. It also scrutinises the road travelled by librarians in Zimbabwe in their pursuit of a vision to reposition their libraries in the global library landscape. The article studies the factors affecting the development of a unified library sector in Zimbabwe. In addition, it explores how Zimbabwe’s national professional association, the Zimbabwe Library Association (ZIMLA), can unite librarians and contribute towards the IFLA Global Vision for a unified library profession. The article proposes a strategy to enhance unity among library professionals for the actualisation of the IFLA Global Vision. Sun, 30 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/123456789/5200 2019-06-30T00:00:00Z Nyarai Patience Chibanda Collence Takaingenhamo Chisita https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/4262 Title: Africa day 2021: reflections on the imperative of unity for empowerment Authors: Mafa, Kwanisai Abstract: As we commemorate Africa liberation day on May 25, it is a stark reminder to Africa that instead of celebrating the day, it is a day of mourning as Africa is still a far cry from being liberated. Africa is bleeding from neo-colonialism, endless wars and grinding poverty. Africa has become the Fanonian “wretched of the earth”. The economic system of capitalism is deeply entrenched and it is perpetuating oppression and exploitation of the motherland. There are countries in Africa such as Rwanda and Namibia which are being celebrated as “good economic models” for Africa with impeccable GDP’s relative to the rest according to the World Bank and IMF reports. There had been reports that Africa is on the “rise” but the question is, in whose interests whilst the gap between the poor and the rich is yawning? Africa’s natural resources are being rapaciously plundered by multinational corporations for the benefit of their nations. China has joined the bandwagon of this exploitative crusade at the invitation and permission from African governments. Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/4262 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z Mafa, Kwanisai https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3844 Title: Africa’s Underdevelopment: Does Africa Need Western Prescriptions? Authors: Mafa, Mafa Kwanisai Abstract: The African continent is the biggest continent on earth endowed with immense natural and human resources .Africa has the youngest population on earth. It is also endowed with great cultural, ecological and economic diversity but paradoxically it remains the poorest continent on earth. The United Nations classifies Africa as the most least developed. Africa is bleeding from military dictatorships, corruption, civil unrest and war, underdevelopment, and deep poverty. Most of the strategies and prescriptions by the western governments and their institutions have failed to yield results. Whilst there is an agreement that slavery, colonialism, and external interference underdeveloped Africa, there are other countries like Singapore which was able to turn around their socio-economic fortunes. We also have the United Arab Emirates which was formed after 1971, they have risen to be global superpowers. The United Arab Emirates has a GDP per capita which is higher than Nigeria which is Africa’s biggest economy, both these countries’ economies are based on natural gas and oil. Arabs and Europeans have proven to be our enemies as African people for more than 1500 years. Arabs have colonised , enslaved and killed many of our people in North Africa and up to today they are still killing us in Sudan, Mauritania, Libya, Niger, Tunisia, Algeria yet the Arab world and so-called Arab nationalists and revolutionaries are quite about this black genocide and the black holocaust. The Arabs and Europeans directly or indirectly benefit from our destruction economically, socially and politically. Black people have no friends outside our race. All other nations advance and preserve their own interests by any means necessary. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3844 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z Mafa, Mafa Kwanisai