A modern library lnclusive of the visually impaired launched
Librarians from various schools across the country gathered in Musanze District, in INES Ruhengeri for a two-day workshop aimed at enhancing their skills in helping students read through digital means (e-books).
The workshop, which kicked off on Thursday, May 29, 2025, brought together 30 librarians from 30 different districts, 3 students studying library science, and other partners including trainers.
Participants noted that a digital library is an innovative and efficient way to store books. It also brings a new system of organizing books, as each will now be assigned a unique number, making it easier and faster to access.
Amina Uwizeyima, a librarian at one school in Musanze District, said: “Through this training on library management, we are gaining a lot from traditional book arrangement methods to digital systems. We’re now being trained on how to use digital libraries, which is a solution for book preservation as they cannot get damaged, and also makes them accessible to everyone, anywhere.”
Protais Nambajimana from Rulindo District stated that the training would act as a driving force in promoting reading habits among students, starting from schools down to mobile phones used in homes.
He said: “We’re learning how to use digital libraries via the internet. This will encourage children to understand how technology works, which is where the world is heading. A child will learn how to search for and read a book, whether in the school computer lab or using a parent’s mobile internet at home. This could truly make reading a culture.”
All participants expressed that previously, their libraries had challenges, such as lack of modernization in book storage and preservation, books wore out quickly or were damaged by moisture. The new digital approach ensures books are preserved and easily accessible through a cataloging system.
This system is also expected to greatly assist the visually impaired, who have struggled with traditional print books. A special program will now be installed to read books aloud for them.
Phelomene Mukankusi, the Communication and Documentation Officer at the National Commission for UNESCO, who is overseeing the initiative, emphasized the inclusivity and impact of the training especially for children in rural areas and those who are visually impaired.
She said: “This training is part of a project to create a digital library that is inclusive meaning it can serve the visually impaired. We also aim to support day school students in rural areas to access books at home using their parents’ phones, as they often have limited time to visit physical libraries.”
She added: “As part of this project, we plan to purchase 10 computers, some of which will have special software to read aloud to the visually impaired. That’s why we chose to train librarians, so they can support others and pass on this knowledge.”
Diane Nyiramugisha from the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy, under the national library division, said digital libraries make it easier for users to access reading materials from wherever they are.
She said: “Using a physical library is the first step toward embracing a digital one. What sets the digital library apart is that it allows students and readers to access books from anywhere without needing to travel. That’s why our national library system allows users with internet access to search for any book by title, author, or keywords making it easier to find it instantly.”
The training, held under the theme “Open a Book, Open a World,” was organized in collaboration with UNESCO. It included a blend of technological skills and innovations in library operations and is expected to yield great results for students in both urban and rural areas, as well as instill a love of reading in young children.
Participants were existing school librarians from all 30 districts of the country, with one representative per district. These trained individuals are expected to become key knowledge multipliers passing on what they learned to their colleagues to ensure widespread impact.
