Carnival-Themed Ribbon Cutting to Celebrate The Office of Early Learning’s
New Mobile Library, Safe Space, and Family Resource Center
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (June 10, 2025) — The City of Chattanooga’s Office of
Early Learning is excited to announce the official launch of Sawubona, a
first-of-its-kind triple-layered Book Bus that serves as a mobile library,
a mobile safe space, and a mobile family resource center, designed to
support children and families across the city.
A ribbon-cutting celebration will take place on Thursday, June 12, 2025,
from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the First Horizon Pavilion (1826 Reggie
White Blvd). The event will feature a colorful carnival-themed celebration,
complete with games, music, snacks, and community-centered fun, all in
honor of Sawubona’s debut.
Derived from the Zulu greeting, “Sawubona” means “I see you, I value you,
you are important to me.” More than just a name, it's a promise, a deep
recognition of every child and family who steps through its doors. Sawubona
is a warm, welcoming space on wheels, a mobile library, family resource
center, and safe haven rolled into one. Sawubona’s goal is to travel into
neighborhoods not just with books, but with belonging; not just with
services, but with support. It’s a place where children feel celebrated,
families feel connected, and everyone is reminded they matter.
"Every stop Sawubona makes will spark a new story," said Jaleesa Brumfield,
Director of Early Learning, for the City of Chattanooga. “Each layer of the
bus is intentional. It’s about showing up for our community in the most
meaningful ways.”
At its core, Sawubona is:
● A Mobile Library, offering books, literacy events, and storytelling
experiences.
● A Safe Space, where children feel welcomed, respected, and heard.
● A Family Resource Hub, connecting families to vital services, support,
and community partners.
This launch marks a major step forward in the city’s commitment to early
childhood literacy, equity, and holistic family engagement. In addition to
unveiling the Sawubona Book Bus, the event will also introduce the Turn On
the Subtitles campaign, an innovative literacy initiative that encourages
families to enable subtitles while children watch TV, helping to naturally
boost reading skills.
Sawubona will travel to neighborhoods throughout Chattanooga, delivering
more than just books, it delivers presence, promise, and opportunity. In
doing so, it directly supports the goals of the One Chattanooga Plan in
advancing early childhood education, strengthening neighborhoods, bridging
access gaps, and investing in families. With every stop it makes, Sawubona
brings the city’s vision for equity, connection, and community to life; one
child, one story, one family at a time.
For additional information, contact:
Jaleesa Brumfield | Director of Early Learning
jbrumfield@chattanooga.gov
423-643-6066