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ABOUT US

Agati is a non-governmental organization that is creating a movement to get books into the hands of all Rwandan youth and children. It was co-founded by six young people who lived and breathed the opportunities of growing up in Rwanda, and the challenges of not having enough access to informal learning opportunities like nearby library spaces. Agati’s mission is made possible by a shared zeal for bringing about positive change in the community by providing a learning sanctuary to children and young people that extends beyond the formal classroom setting. The first Agati community library was founded in the Musanze district in 2018, and since then, Agati has set up seven more library spaces across the country in Musanze, Rubavu, Kicukiro, Nyamasheke and Karongi. We employ young people’s passion and volunteerism to get books to hard-to-reach communities at our libraries and in villages far and near through physical engagements, radio, and social media.

OUR JOURNEY

For the six young co-founders who were still students when they conceived this idea, the initial capital was from their savings that they put together to open the doors of Agati Library with less than 200 books in April 2018. They saved and worked towards one same goal. The following years have seen the library grow, and the team has moved from being enthusiastic and dynamic youth to strategic thinkers working towards the library’s sustainability. The pandemic has presented unique challenges, but it has been an opportunity to adapt planning to keep driving demand towards reading and it has been an important learning moment that has inspired diverse programs such as the Agati Mobile Library, Nge Nawe Dusome Radio Program, Himba Young Writers Competition, Writers residences, Young Writers Workshops and many more.

MEET THE CO-FOUNDERS

We are 6 young people who grew up in Musanze, Rwanda, lived and breathed its opportunities and challenges founded Agati Library. 

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Patience Karekezi  

Director

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Sabine Isangwe

HR Director and Secretary

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Rigobert Uwiduhaye

Creative Director

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Prosper Munyabuhoro

 Programme Director

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Denyse Umuhuza

Comms. & Fundraising Director 

OUR PARTNERS

The New Africa Fund | Project Life International | L’Espace | Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC | Ambassade de France au Rwanda | The Segal Family Foundation | Edition Bakame | Imagine We | Kina Rwanda | Ineza Foundation | Energy Radio | Red Rocks Initiative | Africamile | Musanze District Office | Karongi District Office

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