Chattanooga’s Early Learning Initiative to Introduce “Sawubona”

Chattanooga Launches Innovative Mobile Resource Center, “Sawubona,” to Promote Early Learning and Family Support

The City of Chattanooga has unveiled “Sawubona,” a pioneering triple-layered Book Bus designed to serve as a mobile library, safe haven, and comprehensive family resource center. This initiative aims to enhance support for children and families throughout the city, reflecting a commitment to early childhood literacy and community engagement.

The official launch is set for Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the First Horizon Pavilion, located at 1826 Reggie White Blvd. The event promises a vibrant carnival atmosphere, featuring games, music, and an array of snacks, all intended to celebrate the debut of this unique mobile service.

The name “Sawubona” is derived from a Zulu greeting meaning “I see you, I value you, you are important to me.” This thoughtful choice underscores the project’s fundamental promise to foster recognition and support for every child and family that engages with the bus. As Jaleesa Brumfield, the City of Chattanooga’s Director of Early Learning, articulated, “Every stop ‘Sawubona’ makes will spark a new story.”

The Book Bus is designed as a warm and inviting space on wheels, aiming to cultivate a sense of belonging within the community. “Sawubona” is structured to fulfill three essential roles:

1. Mobile Library: Offering a wide selection of books, literacy events, and storytelling experiences that ignite a passion for reading among youth.

2. Safe Space: A welcoming environment where children can feel respected, acknowledged, and valued.

3. Family Resource Hub: Connecting families with vital services, supportive resources, and community partners.

This initiative marks a significant advancement in the city’s efforts to foster early childhood literacy and equity. Officials highlighted that alongside the unveiling of “Sawubona,” the event will introduce the “Turn On the Subtitles” campaign—a novel literacy initiative encouraging families to enable subtitles during television viewing. This practice is aimed at enhancing reading skills in a natural and engaging manner for children.

As “Sawubona” embarks on its journey into various neighborhoods throughout Chattanooga, it aspires to extend beyond the provision of books, instead delivering a promise of presence, opportunity, and community connection. This aligns closely with the overarching objectives of the One Chattanooga Plan, which focuses on advancing early childhood education, strengthening neighborhoods, bridging access gaps, and investing in families.

Through this innovative approach, “Sawubona” offers a transformative vision for fostering equity, connection, and community in Chattanooga—reinforcing the idea that every child and family matters, one story at a time.