By Felix Katyetye
Former International Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative to Zambia, Kenneth Meyers, expressed optimism about Zambia’s future despite the challenges posed by the debt situation.
In a statement obtained by Solwezitoday, Meyers, who served as the IMF Country Representative to Zambia from 1998 to 2001, highlighted the country’s progress and its commitment to addressing key issues during a courtesy call on Ambassador Chibamba Kanyama in Washington, D.C.
Meyers emphasized that Zambia’s future lies in productivity and growth, rather than solely combating the debt.
He acknowledged the government’s efforts in this regard, indicating a positive economic outlook for the nation. His remarks come ahead of his visit to Zambia to celebrate the achievements of the Lubuto Library network and the reopening of the expanded Lubuto Model Library and Training Center in Lusaka’s Garden Township.
Accompanying Meyers was his wife, Mrs Jane Kinney Meyers, President and founder of Lubuto Library Partners, who highlighted the significant impact of Lubuto Library Centers on the youth of Zambia. With over 150,000 young people positively influenced and approximately 2,500 individuals visiting the centers weekly, Lubuto Libraries have challenged conventional perceptions about libraries.
“Lubuto’s commitment is to reach out to vulnerable groups such as out-of-school children, street children, adolescent mothers, and children with disabilities,” she said. The libraries provide a safe haven and offer vital services such as HIV/AIDS education. Additionally, they have partnered with traditional leaders to combat early marriages and promote education, particularly in Southern Province.
She said the importance of modern libraries and study materials will complement government’s initiative of free education under the New Dawn Government.
Lubuto Libraries provide equitable access to safe, inclusive spaces for Zambia’s youth, fostering growth, learning, and resilience.
Ambassador Kanyama echoed the importance of education and empowerment, particularly for the girl child, in initiating societal transformation and welcomed support for children’s access to quality formal education, highlighting the role it plays in shaping their future and societal participation.
Lubuto’s open-access library centers, including the Lubuto Model Library at Ngwerere Basic School in Garden Township, Mthunzi Library in Lusaka West and the Nabukuyu Library situated 23 kilometers east of Monze.
“As Zambia navigates through its economic challenges, voices like Kenneth Meyers and initiatives like Lubuto Libraries offer hope and a vision for a brighter future, where education and inclusivity pave the way for progress and prosperity,” Ambassador Kanyama said.
