The African Library & Information Associations & Institutions (AfLIA) in collaboration with the Public Library Association (PLA) of USA has established the AfLIA Leadership Academy, a leadership enhancement programme for African public library leaders at middle management level. The programme is funded by the Global Libraries Initiative of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The AfLIA Leadership Academy inaugural workshop for 12 young Librarians from 7 Countries in Africa (Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Ghana, Gambia, Namibia, Nigeria) was held in Nairobi on 16th to 21st January 2018 at the Laico Regency. Knls is represented by Jemimah Wangeci-Kangema and Miriam Mureithi-Thika.
The workshop was facilitated by Library Leaders and Coaches from AFLIA, knls and the Global Libraries Initiative.
Knls convened a session on Community Engagement at the National Library of Kenya on Thursday, 18th January 2018. Deborah Jacobs, who spoke on behalf of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation emphasized on the need to develop partnerships at all levels, and to ensure that librarianship had value and worth in the lives of the people it targeted. AfLIA President, Dr. John TSebe challenged the participants to take responsibility, take initiative and be willing to contribute to the “Africa they want.” Through this program, knls had an opportunity to host, share experience and network with Library leaders from other Countries. The forum was a platform for the mentees to look inward, and prepare for the start of a 9-month period that entailed rigorous mentorship that will culminate in the mentees graduation in September 2018.