Update: Mzuzu University Library Fire
02 March 2016
The Scotland Malawi Partnership continues to help coordinate Scotland's response to the December 2015 Mzuzu University fire which destroyed the entire library and all 45,000 books. The SMP is sending fortnightly coordination emails to all interested stakeholders. To add your name to this list, and to get involved, please contact david@scotland-malawipartnership.org
The Scotland Malawi Partnership continues to help coordinate Scotland's response to the December 2015 Mzuzu University fire which destroyed the entire library and all 45,000 books.
The SMP is sending fortnightly coordination emails to all interested stakeholders. To add your name to this list, and to get involved, please contact David.
CLICK HERE to watch a short video David Hope-Jones shot while in Mzuzu, showing the extent of the damage.
CLICK HERE to see the University of Strathclyde's Mzuzu Fire response page (this includes lists of books requested by Mzuzu University).
To date, we have had support, donations and offers from (inter alia): the University of Strathclyde, the Open University Scotland, Glasgow University, National Library of Scotland, Books Abroad, University College Cork, Glasgow Caledonian University, the Raven Trust, Imperial College London.
It’s wonderful to see so many of our members from across Scotland come forwards to offer their support.
A recent Early Day Motion in the House of Commons expressing concern at the fire and support for Scotland's response, coordinated by the SMP, was lodged by Patrick Grady MP and signed by almost half of all Scottish MPs. A subsequent written question from Patrick Grady MP further flagged the issue.
Responding to this question on behalf of the UK Government, Nick Hurd MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Development, said:
"The UK recognises the terrible loss for Mzuzu University and academia in Malawi caused by the fire in December 2015 which destroyed the university library and its stock of 45,000 books.
"We commend the Scotland Malawi Partnership for coordinating efforts in Scotland to appeal for donations for the restocking and rebuilding of the library. Officials have met with the Scotland Malawi Partnership and the Mzuzu University Vice Chancellor to discuss possible funding opportunities. It is encouraging that Scottish Universities are again demonstrating Scotland’s unique people to people approach to supporting Malawi at a time when the country is also facing a humanitarian crisis and funding priorities are in strong competition."
