Local librarian selected for international fellowship
MANY people have already been over this . . . It’s a question that has probably been lingering on the tips of many people’s tongues, given the rather epic rise to stardom of both ZIMBABWE Library Association Matabeleland region chairperson, Jerry Mathema has been offered a fellowship that will see him spend four weeks in the United States learning about new technologies in the Library and Information Science department and also meet industry leaders.
Mathema is one of the five participants chosen from across the globe for the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) /International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) fellows for 2017.
According to an OCLC press statement, Mathema, who is also the Masiyephambili College librarian, is set to join Patience Ngizi-Hara from Zambia, Eric Nelson Haumba of Uganda, Sharisse Rae Lim (Philippines) and Nguyen Van Kep (Vietnam) for the programme scheduled for May next year.
According to the release issued last Tuesday the IFLA/OCLC Fellowship Programme provides advanced continuing education and exposure to a broad range of issues in information technologies, library operations and global co-operative librarianship. Mathema, who holds the post of the director in the International Association of School Librarianship Region 1: Africa Sub Sahara said he was elated by the selection and will use the chance to broaden his knowledge in the library field. “The fellowship will provide me with a once in a lifetime opportunity to access advanced continuing education and exposure to a broad range of issues in informat ion technologies, library op e r a t i ons and global co- operative librarianship which is still at its infancy where it exists in school librarianship. “I n Zimbabwe, academic universities have a vibrant consortium and as school librarians we want to step into their shoes and follow their footsteps and come up with one that will help in the development of school libraries,” he said.
Mathema added that he was confident the fellowship will equip him with the requisite knowledge and skills required in running and developing 21st century school library and media centers in Zimbabwe and of course Africa in general.
He said it was time for school librarians to embrace and nurture emerging technologies in operations.
The selection of the five Fellows for the class of 2017 brings to 85 the number of librarians and information science professionals from 38 countries to have taken part in the programme since it began 15 years ago.
According to the OCLC website, the Fellows participate in discussions with library and information science leaders, library visits and professional development activities during the four-week programme, which is based at OCLC headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, USA.
IFLA is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the library and information profession. Founded in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1927 at an international conference, IFLA now has 1 500 members in approximately 150 countries around the world while OCLC is a nonprofit global library co-operative providing shared technology services, original research and community programs so that libraries can better fuel learning, research and innovation.
@peterkmatika PHELANDABA stadium has gone through massive refurbishment as it will play host to the annual Gwanda Gospel Festival again.
The festival will be held in the mining town from 25 to 28 August. Prolific South African artistes Rebecca Malope, Hlengiwe Mhlaba and Andile Majola are billed for the gospel extravaganza, where local groups such as ZimPraise and many more will perform.
The show has also been set as a platform for up-and-coming gospel artistes from Gwanda, to showcase their talent and also to boost their morale.
Gwanda Gospel Fest organiser, South Africa-based businessman Justice Maphosa said the aim of the festival was to get the nation to gather around spirituality under the theme, “Bow Down to A Living God through His Son.”
Maphosa likened the festival to the Muslims’ pilgrimage to Mecca and will give people a chance to hear God’s message through the artistes.
“We are facing so many problems because no one is listening when God speaks and this festival is an offering that will help us find our way back to Him,” Maphosa said.
He added that the festival would also bring about hype in the town, by boosting business and domestic tourism.
“Gwanda is dead and we need the festival to revive its social and moral fibre in a way that can be enjoyed by everyone,” said Maphosa.
A dinner will be held at the Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel prior to the festival, before delegates proceed to Gwanda for the festival.
Admission to the festival is free, as Maphosa said things related to God should be free and attendance is forecast at 50 000 people, including the performers and delegates from both Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Attendants will be hosted at different places in Gwanda, including Gwanda Hotel, Mt Cazalet Lodge and Colleen Bawn.
Gwanda residents have also agreed to open their homes for those who would like to stay in Gwanda for the duration of the festival.