Milestones:
Resource Collection (In progress)-Collecting books and materials- 75% complete We have collected:
- 3 computers to the library
- 3 Book cases(for adultls)
- 4 Book cases(for children)
- 30 Chairs for adults
- 55 Chairs for children
- 4 Reading tables for children(11+)
- 2 Reading tables for children (7 to 10)
- 3 Reading tables for adults
The library building is composed of two study halls – one for adults(high school and above) and the other for children (first grade to junior high). The adults hall can seat about forty people while the children’s side seats sixty kids.
Program Implementation (est. 2010):
We partner with each community to decide what programs will be most beneficial on a case by case basis. In the small community of Vea we will begin implementing programs in 2010- After School programs, teacher training programs, teacher incentive programs, adult education programs, student incentive programs:
After School Programs: Bring extended learning programs to the children in the villages. Provide after school activities: computer training, art, music, reading, and math on a rotating schedule.
School Feeding:
A program which we have implemented in the primary school is school feeding. When the rains stop everything dries up and the crops literally stop growing. In many households the end of the dry season means there is not enough food to go around. Many children do not have the energy to go to school during these months and attendance drops dramatically. We have begun to provide food at the end of the school day for any child who has attended classes. The kids will come for the food and learn in the process. Attendance has increased dramatically.
Twenty cents a day feeds a child. There are 600 students at the primary school that means it takes $120 a day to feed the whole school. We have a few families who have committed to give $10-$20 a month to ensure the children continue to come to school and are fed. Ten dollars per month will feed two students for the entire month. Can you commit to ten dollars per month?
Student Incentives:
Offer students motivation for exceeding in education. There will be rewards for highest test scores, for most improved, and for those students show a consistent effort. These students who excel will receive acknowledgement with a soccer ball, a new pair of shoes or a book.
Teacher Incentives:
Teacher Training Programs: One of the reasons teachers do not like to work in the villages is because they are not afforded the same opportunity for growth and advancement in their careers, that those who work in the cities are. They do not have access to continuing their education in the villages. In an effort to entice teachers to work in the villages we will offer them the opportunity to continue their education by providing biannual teacher training courses.
Teacher Incentives: Because the villages are so remote and lack electricity, running water, housing, etc. often teachers do not want to go there and rarely stay long. We will offer teachers small perks (bicycles, electricity, running water, housing allowances, etc.) to make living in the villages more comfortable and entice them to stay in the rural areas.
Micro Loans for Education:
Students must pay for high school as well as college. Many capable students simply do not have the money to attend these higher levels of education. We will provide student grants for high school and student loans for college.
Adult Education Courses:
Give seminars to farmers on how to prevent nutrient depletion and overgrazing as well as offer English courses, and Health Education seminars
Building construction (100% Completed)
One brick, one dollar, and one volunteer hour at a time, we are closing the poverty gap. Each brick tells a story of someone committed to this tiny village, someone who believed they would one day have the library of their dreams. Vea’s hopes for a brighter future were fulfilled. The library was completed, the grand opening was December 12, 2009–a dream come true!