Our Programs
At the heart of our mission is the belief that literacy is the cornerstone of personal development and national progress. Through four interconnected programs, we work to ensure every child in Uganda has access to books, a supportive learning environment, and the tools to succeed.
Our integrated approach addresses the root causes of low literacy, from a lack of books to under-resourced community libraries, by providing the materials, training, and advocacy needed for sustainable change.
Book Distribution: Putting Books in Young Hands
Our book distribution program is the direct pipeline that connects children with the reading materials they desperately need.
We focus on sourcing and delivering high-quality, relevant books—including curriculum textbooks, local-language readers, and engaging storybooks—directly to community libraries and schools.
Key Activities:
Strategic Procurement & Donation: Partnering with national and international organizations like Book Aid International to source educational resources.
Targeted Distribution: Delivering thousands of books to established and nascent community libraries across multiple districts.
Capacity Building: Empowering Local Champions
The sustainability of any library depends on the skills of its staff. Our capacity-building program trains volunteer librarians, teachers, and community coordinators to manage effective, child-centered libraries.
Key Activities:
Educational Support Training: Training librarians in digital literacy to enhance library operations and complement library activities
Library Management Training: Conducting workshops for library staff in the areas of resources mobilization and library management.
Library Advocacy: Championing Literacy
This program secures the long-term viability of libraries as safe, recognized learning spaces. It fosters a community-wide culture that values reading, ensuring children have consistent, supported access to literacy resources now and in the future. We believe that sustainable change requires a supportive policy and community environment.
Key Activities:
National Networking: As a networking organization for over 103 community libraries, we amplify a unified voice to advocate for the sector’s growth and sustainability.
Community Sensitization: Conducting dialogues and awareness campaigns to help communities understand the transformative power of libraries and encourage local ownership.
Community Building: Fueling Sustainability
To transform advocacy into action, we actively secure the financial and material resources necessary to build, equip, and sustain community libraries.
Key Activities:
Grant Solicitation and Management: Seeking and administering funds from donors to support library operations, infrastructure, and programs.Material Support: Procuring essential furniture, shelves, and security fittings to create functional, child-friendly, and safe reading environments.
Resource mobilization: Turns empty rooms into vibrant libraries. It provides the scholarships, reading spaces, and equipped facilities that remove barriers to access, allowing children to learn in a conducive and inspiring atmosphere.
Help us with our next library project in Uganda. Turn our vision into reality—together.
COLAU
Promoting literacy, education, and community development through accessible library services across Uganda.
Bank Information
Stanbic Bank
Plot 17 Hannington Road, Kampala
A/C No: 9030024745502
SWIFT CODE: SBICUGKX
IBAN NO: 040147
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Funding Needed
These projects are in development phase and need funding in order to implement. COLAU is seeking implementation partners for funding.
Contact Info
Block 204, Plot 193, Ttula Road
+256 (070) 8629 245
info@colau.org
Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sun: Closed