Vulnerable girls and women in eastern Africa are receiving support and educational tools from the Stratford community.
The 12th annual Change Her World fundraiser is June 8 at Best Western Arden Park in Stratford. A Canadian registered charity, the organization seeks to remove barriers that prevent girls and women from receiving an education.
“We hope to meet the needs of those who aren’t necessarily literate but who hope to become literate in English," said Linda Willis, co-founder of Change Her World.
After two years of cancellations, the dinner event will raise money for a new library in the community of Chilumba, in Northern Malawi. The library is designed to act as an information hub for those in the community, regardless of age and education level.
Willis said the focus of the library is to provide children’s books including picture books and books suitable for ages 10 to 12. At the moment, 2,500 books, donated from Stratford and area, are being prepared to be shipped.
“There is no library in this community at all, the closest one is probably more than an hour away, which you need to get to by car and most of our beneficiaries do not have access to this,” said Willis.
A computer centre will be built inside the library and computer training provided.
“This will also be a resource for secondary school students and professionals in the community,” she said.
Years ago, the Change Her World organization purchased 3.7 acres of land to build the brand new library — hoping to provide girls and women with the means to an education. Those attending the event are asked to bring books for donation.
Willis said people bringing in book donations have the option to create name plates, which will be placed inside the books. Others will be provided with bookmarks to decorate.
The information centre will offer an audio centre to listen to books and music and look at magazines.
With Chilumba being an agricultural area, Willis said she hopes librarians can provide the community with long-range weather forecasts and research on farming techniques.
The event includes a roast beef dinner with strawberry shortcake and a silent auction.
Tickets can be purchased online. Proceeds go directly towards the new library, which is currently in the final stages of the construction process.
