Library for Africa

American teacher & student from africa found organization

When Darius Ricks told his teacher Veleta Jenkins, that a public library did not exist in Liberia, Africa (his native country), she vowed to help him work towards his dream of getting a library built in Liberia. A former English teacher at Dayton Job Corps, Ms. Jenkins taught American and African students. She had never taught culturally diverse students; and initially had difficulty figuring out how to include students who came from 13 African countries in her classroom. Gradually, she connected with the students from Africa. She listened to them, learned about their plight, their culture, and vulnerabilities. She realized that although many of the African students lacked English literary skills – they were focused and wanted the opportunity to receive a quality education. Shortly after Darius graduated, he reached out to Ms. Jenkins and asked her if she would still help him to try to get a library built in Liberia (the future library will be named “Library for Liberia”). She kept her word that she would help. In 2019, Ms. Jenkins and Darius founded Library for Africa (a non-profit charitable organization).