Compleation of Ayaa Library Building

Proposal to Build Ayaa Secondary School Library

Project Year: 2025–2026
 Location: Ayaa Senior Secondary School, Magwi County, Eastern Equatorial State, Republic of South Sudan
 Prepared by: Simon Ottaviano
 Email: snyeko@yahoo.com | Phone: (502) 235-3913

Executive Summary

This proposal seeks funding and support to construct a new library at Ayaa Secondary School in Magwi County, South Sudan. Opened in 2022, the school has grown rapidly, now serving over 500 students. The addition of a well-equipped library will significantly enhance educational outcomes for students and provide a vital learning hub for the broader community.

Project Background

Ayaa Secondary School staff and students conducted a three-year survey to assess the need for a library. Focus groups and consultations with students, educators, and local residents confirmed a strong demand for access to learning resources.
 
 In December 2023, I visited Half Price Books on Westport Road in Louisville, Kentucky, and met with Nicky Sauer. After explaining our school's situation—lacking textbooks and library resources—Nicky generously arranged a large donation of books within three days.
 
 Further support came from Pastor David Zavala of Far Reaching Ministries. I met Pastor David during a 2022 trip to South Sudan for the school's inauguration. He agreed to help ship the books, and in January 2024, I personally transported them to California for shipment. By January 2025, the books successfully arrived in South Sudan—an incredible milestone achieved through generosity and faith.

Funding and Resource Needs

Ayaa South Sudanese is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Louisville, Kentucky. Securing funding to construct the library remains a critical challenge due to limited partnerships and access to grants.
 
 We are seeking financial contributions, material donations, and partnerships to bring this project to life. With student enrollment expected to grow substantially—especially with incoming Senior One students following the 2024 Primary Leaving Examinations—there is an urgent need for facilities that match our growth. Your support will enable us to build a library that becomes the academic and social center of Magwi County.

Library Objectives and Community Impact

The proposed library will:
 - Improve literacy and academic performance by giving students access to books, research materials, and a quiet space for study.
 - Serve as a learning hub for students of all ages, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
 - Support lifelong learning for adults in the community, offering books, workshops, and skills-development opportunities.
 - Promote inclusivity, creativity, and collaboration by hosting events such as book clubs, cultural days, and educational seminars.
 
 Given that there are currently no libraries in Magwi County, this facility will be the first of its kind—offering vital academic infrastructure to a region deeply affected by decades of civil conflict.

Current Resources

Thanks to our partnership with Half Price Books, we have acquired hundreds of books suited for all educational levels—children’s literature, high school textbooks, and college-level materials. These resources will immediately fill the shelves of the new library and be accessible to both students and community members.

Benefits to the Community

The library will:
 - Provide equitable access to knowledge for students and adults alike.
 - Strengthen the educational pipeline by supporting early reading habits and long-term academic success.
 - Create a community-centered space that fosters unity, intellectual growth, and social cohesion.
- Help bridge the gap between urban and rural access to global information and educational resources.