Cubu Primary School: a library still changing lives

More than a decade after African Revival supported the library at Cubu Primary School, it remains an important part of daily learning—and a reminder that well-planned investment can continue delivering value long after a project formally ends.

In a recent conversation with Head Teacher Ojok Christopher Naume, the school described how the library continues to serve pupils and teachers. According to the Head Teacher, it remains the largest library in any school in the surrounding area.

Books that are still being used

African Revival’s literacy work starts from a simple principle: a library is more than a room containing books. It gives children the chance to read beyond their classroom texts, helps teachers prepare lessons and creates space for activities that build confidence and curiosity.

At Cubu, the collection has supported a reading culture through activities such as the Government’s “Drop Everything and Read” campaign.

The school’s experience shows why access to appropriate books, good management and continued use all matter. Donating materials is only the first step; the lasting impact depends on how they are cared for and integrated into teaching.

“The impact of African Revival’s activities has been GREAT” Ojok Christopher Naume, Head Teacher

Learning from a long-term relationship

Cubu is particularly relevant as African Revival develops a longer-term approach to supporting rural schools. The library demonstrates the potential of an investment that is owned locally and sustained over time. It also raises useful questions: Which books are still in good condition? Which subjects or age groups need new material? How frequently do pupils use the library? What support would help teachers make even better use of it?

These are the questions we want our monitoring to answer. Alongside photographs and testimony, we aim to gather practical evidence such as library use, book condition, reading activity and changes in pupil engagement. This will help us understand what continues to work and where fresh support may be needed.

Building on what works

African Revival’s whole-school model would mean staying alongside a smaller cohort of schools for longer. Rather than viewing a library, classroom or water point as an isolated output, we will connect it to teaching quality, attendance, safeguarding, school leadership and community involvement.

Watch the Cubu Primary School film below.

Explore related work

• Literacy and reading support in rural schools
• Why whole-school improvement matters in rural Uganda
• Help sustain long-term support for rural schools