Popular American YouTuber Zack Nelson to build a library in Busia
Popular American YouTuber Zack Nelson, who runs the DIY tech channel, JerryRigEverything, is constructing a multi-million library in Budalangi, Busia County.
Nelson said in a video that he has been saving revenue from his channel for the project and has so far gathered Sh9 million ($75,000).
“Education can solve all of the world’s problems, which is why we have exciting news that part of the 75,000 dollars that you guys have given us by watching our videos is going to be used to build a full-size library in Kenya,” said Nelson, who commands a following of nearly 7.5 million subscribers.
Also read: Nameless: My last moments with E-Sir and how I deal with survivor’s guilt
The YouTube celebrity is collaborating with his “uncle” Philip, a Kenyan who moved to the United States 15 years ago to pursue his education.
Philip grew up in Budalangi and was welcomed by Nelson’s family when he moved to the United States; he states that it is now their turn to contribute to the community.
The facility, which Philip believes will be the only library within a 100-mile radius, is scheduled to serve 10 elementary schools, 6 high schools and 3 institutions in the area.
“Getting the land and building the library is about $50,000,” Nelson said in the video, adding that the process has been in the works for the past year.
Also read: ‘I’m divorced,’ Tiktoker Pritty Vishy confirms break up with Madini Classic
Instead of purchasing books for the library with the remaining $25,000, the duo opted to dig a borehole to provide the neighbouring village with a reliable water source.
The project will include large water tanks and solar panels on the roof, transforming the library into a vital gathering place.
They have now launched a campaign to collect finances and real books from Americans of goodwill to outfit the library. Their objective is 12,000 to 15,00 books, mostly children’s books, novels, encyclopaedias and text materials.
“The library will provide children between the ages two to six with the opportunity to begin reading and learning about books. We will have materials such as nursery rhymes to prepare the children for the transition to elementary school,” says Philip.
Also read: Meet IEBC boss Wafula Chebukati’s super accomplished kids
They estimate that the construction of the library will be completed by the end of the year and that the book donations have already been shipped.
Philip adds: “The idea of a library has been a dream of mine for quite some time now and I’ve had the privilege of having a formal education by being here in America and so with your help, we can turn this around and provide this knowledge to the people in my community.”
Also read:
Why we have ‘Father Abrahams’ in the industry and popular baby mamas
Exclusive: Singer Bahati speaks on Diana Marua’s health following eerie Instagram post
Larry Madowo heartbroken to see former colleagues at BBC losing their jobs
Mama Rachel Ruto reminisces humble beginnings with her dear hubby Bill