NAIROBI, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Amid rows of iron shacks and narrow winding alleys in Kibera, one of Africa's largest urban informal settlements, a new building is drawing excited children.
Inside the Amani Kibera Book House, some young readers sit around wooden tables, flipping through colorful books and chatting, while others sit on the floor, immersing themselves in stories and discovering worlds beyond their own.
Officially opened on Tuesday, the community library was jointly developed by Condition_Lab, an architectural research studio affiliated with the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Kenya's Kounkuey Design Initiative.
Named after the Swahili word "Amani," meaning peace, the library reflects the community's aspirations for education, opportunity and hope.
Among the visitors was 17-year-old Paul Muhoro, who carefully browsed the shelves in search of medicine books. "I want to become a doctor one day," he said. "There are many people here who are sick and suffering. I want to help them."
Muhoro said he plans to visit the library regularly and encourage his friends to do the same.
A science-fiction novel captivated Lindsay, a secondary school student who dreamed of becoming a lawyer. "I want to speak for people and help them defend their rights," she noted, adding that the library has already become one of her favorite places in the community.
"When we first visited the community in 2022, we saw children running through the narrow alleyways and sensed their eagerness to learn," said Liu Ziwei, a member of the Condition_Lab team. "We knew almost immediately that we wanted to build a library here."
From the outset, the project was shaped by local participation. Residents contributed ideas during the design process and took part in the construction work, helping ensure that the building reflected the needs of the community, according to Liu.
"We didn't want to place an isolated modern structure in Kibera," Liu said. "We wanted to create a space that could breathe with the community and become part of its everyday life."
The team adopted flexible interior layouts and relied as much as possible on locally available materials that would be easier to maintain. Special attention was also given to natural lighting and ventilation to create a safe and comfortable environment for reading and learning.
Ben Ooko, founder of Amani Kibera, a community-based organization, described the library as "a beacon" for the neighborhood.
According to Ooko, the community previously relied on a small reading facility built from temporary materials such as sheet metal and wood. The structure offered limited space and sometimes had to be closed because of safety concerns.
The new library, he said, provides not only better facilities but also renewed confidence in the future. "It keeps refreshing people's hopes. It helps them believe that the future is something worth looking forward to and striving for."
In his view, education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives. "Through reading, children in Kibera can learn about stories, ideas and knowledge from around the world," he said, adding that "this space will connect Kibera to the world."
The library is also expected to support a range of community initiatives. Future programs include digital skills training, photography and video production workshops, tailoring classes and other practical courses designed to improve employment prospects for young people.
For women in the community, the space will serve as a platform for both learning and economic empowerment.
Working with existing women's groups, project organizers plan to offer sewing and digital skills training, while also supporting the production of reusable sanitary pads for girls who lack access to adequate menstrual products.
"In this space, women are not simply beneficiaries," Liu said. "They are creators, contributors and partners in helping one another."
"Buildings are not just made of bricks and steel; they can also serve as bridges connecting people," she added. ■
