Lengdung is the Director of Data and Research at Jenta Reads Community Initiative, the founders of Jenta Reads Community Library. I met Lengdung at Social Media For Social Good Conference last month, were he shared the Jenta Reads story; it inspired my already existing desire for community development. We both exchange contacts.
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| Overview of Jenta Photo credit: Walkingtogether.life |
I learnt that Jenta is the biblical Nazareth in the words of Nathaniel; can any thing good come from Nazareth? This question is asked when you talk about anything great associating with Jenta. I saw it in the face of a pedestrian (a Jos resident not a "Jentan") on my way to the library, I asked whether he knew where Jenta library is. He asked me, "Do they have a library?" I replied him with a "Yes". Since he didn't know about the library, I decided to use my Google map to navigate to the library. Since I was visiting Jenta Reads for the first time.
Jenta is a borough in the capital city of Jos. It's a " city built upon a hill"; that reminds of Jesus' parable, Jenta library is actually located at the Mangoro axis of Jenta which comprises of streams rocks, people...
Last weekend I decided to visit the library and see things for myself. Lengdung actually told me that the Jenta Reads Initiative is aimed at rewriting the narrative of this community that has been termed desolate.
AT THE LIBRARY.
Thanks to Google map! I arrived the library without much stress. At the library, I met the librarian, Longdi (a staff), and a number of young readers.
Longdi was my excursion guide, she took me round the library; from the reserved section through the main library to the e-library section. She also told me the Jenta and Jenta Reads story. As I tour the library I saw kids (in their primary school age) surfing the internet, reading books, borrowing books, returning books and working on innovative ideas. I met Jerry a young innovator who used a jerry can to make a MP3 player. Some of the young folks were working on an architectural model.
Londgi is a good storyteller cum narrator, she was also working on an innovation while we were chatting.
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| A section of the library. Photo credit: Johnstone Kpilaakaa |
THE LESSONS:
1. Honesty.
It was my first time in Jenta, I didn't even know how much the transport fare was, since Lengdung was not sure about it. After I paid the tricyclist what I felt worth the journey. He returned some of the money, saying "it was too much for the ride".🤔
2. Leveraging on the Social Media and Technology.
I came to know about Jenta Reads via Facebook, same with Thaine Norris (an American missionary that visited the library from America last year). When you gain mastery on the usage of social media, you'll have a lot of opportunities.
Favour is when competence meets opportunity. - Joshua SelmanLendung's phone line weren't going through when I was about to come, Google map saved me the frustration I would have if I wasn't having a smartphone. Smartphone users ought to be smart!
3. Discipleship.
Jesus spent three years with his disciples, after that the made exploits in a short time. As I sat down with Longdi, many of the kids came around to make enquiries on different issues. And she guided them. Mentorship is a strategic growth key.
4. Trusting in God.
I learnt this from Thaine Norris' blog "Into Jenta", Jenta Reads depends on God and not government - for their resources.
5. I'm NOT too Young to Be Relevant.
Jenta Reads was initiated by young people. That information alone reminded me that there's no age requirement for community impact. Start where you are.
The power of good books, creativity, team work were some of the lessons I learnt.
You are paid for the problems you solve, you pay for the problems you create. - Ejimi AdegbeyeSome of the lessons are in between the lines of my preamble. In my opinion, everybody should visit Jenta. You can visit by donating books to the library; via Lengdung:0816 675 6617
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