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2/24/2020 July OLA newsletter https://ola.informz.ca/informzdataservice/onlineversion/pub/bWFpbGluZ0luc3RhbmNlSWQ9MzI1MzMz 2/3 libraries in Kenya highlights their remarkable global perspective," Scott Baker, Executive Director of Free the Children, said. Since 2005, OLA has helped to build two libraries within the communities of Enelerai and Motony. OLA members were inspired to take action to support education in Africa after Craig Kielburger of Free the Children's eye-opening Super Conference presentation about the shocking living conditions for children in Africa. The OLA Africa Project was established by the OLA Board to provide programs, services and structures that would lead to the improvement of children's lives in Africa. Free the Children was approached to facilitate the creation of two libraries in Kenya, one of which was named after OLA 2000 President Liz Hoffman as a memorial to a great advocate for public libraries. Thanks to OLA's contribution, Free the Children is now able to use the new libraries to provide community members with books, training, and a safe meeting space for women's groups and community-based committees. The libraries will act as a central hub for financial literacy programs and the school management committees, offer community members a productive and safe learning environment, and promote education and learning across the communities. About Free the Children Free The Children believes in a world where all young people are free to achieve their fullest potential as agents of change. It is an international charity and educational partner that empowers youth to remove barriers that prevent them from being active local and global citizens. Its domestic programs educate, engage and empower hundreds of thousands of youth in North America and the UK. Its international projects, led by its holistic and sustainable Adopt a Village model, have brought more than 650 schools and school rooms to youth and provided clean water, health care and sanitation to one million people around the world, freeing children and their families from the cycle of poverty. Founded in 1995 by international children's rights activist Craig Kielburger, the organization has grown into the world's largest network of children helping children through education with more than 1.7 million young people involved in its innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Funding opportunities for public libraries Capacity building 2013 On June 28, 2013, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport announced a $1 million grant to assist all recipients of a Public Library Operating Grant in fiscal year 2012/13 to support capacity building. "This funding will help build collections, upgrade technology, provide training and fund other programs that will strengthen your role as community hubs." It is being administered by SOLS in collaboration with OLS-North. Culture Development Fund Call for applications is open, deadline is September 6. Note: organizations considering applying need to contact a regional coordinator at least three weeks in advance of September 6. Priorities for the fund are: • Develop stronger boards and advisory committees • Create more effective collaborations • Improve planning, financial and digital capabilities • Make strategic use of new media and social media http://www.freethechildren.com/ http://www.sols.org/index.php/grants/capbuild2013 http://www.grants.gov.on.ca/GrantsPortal/en/OntarioGrants/GrantOpportunities/PRDR007505