BLUFFTON, S.C. - s4story -- The CEO of Libraries for Kids International, Laura Winkel, visited Washington, D.C. the week of June 8, and engaged in a series of high-level forums and strategic conversations centered on Africa's future. Across the globe at the same time, the organization continued its vital mission to deliver books to rural schools in rural Africa, specifically Kenya.

The Washington meetings involved topics that align with the mission of Libraries for Kids International, Winkel said. "Literacy and access to books are foundational to building human capital, strengthening education systems and empowering the next generation of African leaders," she said.

Winkel characterized the meetings as "energizing and deeply meaningful" for Libraries for Kids International. She attended the Africa Day 2026 High-Level Forum, "an inspiring gathering of leaders, diplomats and changemakers committed to advancing development across the continent," Winkel said.

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At the same time, Libraries for Kids International contractors delivered more books to rural African schools. The organization completed deliveries in Trans-Nzoia County in western Kenya. Libraries for Kids International has delivered books to 945 schools in Kenya, which helped establish 13,013 school libraries on African continent, Winkel said.

In Washington, Winkel also participated in the African Union High-Level Forum at the AU Mission to the United States, where Her Excellency Ambassador Constancia Gaspar led important discussions on the role of the African Diaspora. "The dialogue highlighted how diaspora engagement and global collaboration are essential to driving sustainable progress throughout Africa," Winkel said. Later, she attended meetings and participated in the Africa Day celebration, hosted by the African Diplomatic Corps and the African Union Mission to the United States at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art. The evening celebrated the richness of African culture, heritage and unity across the global community.

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Throughout the week, Winkel held meetings with representatives from the Embassy of Kenya, the Embassy of Angola, and other embassy partners, continuing important conversations around collaboration and long-term impact.

"A central theme across these engagements was the African Union's Agenda 2063 -- a strategic framework for achieving "The Africa We Want,"' Winkel said. Agenda 2063 is Africa's blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future.

Libraries for Kids International (https://www.libraries4kids.org/) based in Bluffton, South Carolina, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving literacy and education for children in rural areas of Africa. By shipping and providing books to publicly funded rural schools across Africa, the organization helps students discover the joy of learning and expand their opportunities for the future. In addition, the organization hosts monthly author events which are free, at The Roasting Room, 1297 May River Rd., Bluffton.