THE PENDLETON GOLDMAN LEARNING CENTER
In 14 months, 101 Heroes raised money and built the 2,400 sq. feet Pendleton Goldman Learning Center from the ground up in a rural village in the Philippines. The original plan was to build a 600 square foot library with 3000 books and 2 computers. But due to the outpouring support of friends, educators, and strangers who believed in our mission we were able to increase the size to 2,400 square feet, with 20,000 books and 16 computers.
The learning center is on a public school campus in Marilao, Bulacan, Philippines. It serves a population of 3,700+ kids, aged 6-12, annually. Most of these children live in substandard housing patched together from cardboard and plywood, lacking the basic necessities of running water and toilets. Some of these kids work as young as 10 years old to help their families survive.
The library has several programs in place:
- a) Textbooks for everyday use: The library project is unique because it
not only provides reference and general reading books- the most
important part of the library is to loan books to all students. We are
also providing the teachers the tools to teach the kids.
- b) Reference Books and general reading: The library provides Access to
a variety of much needed reference books; these can be read in the
comfortable library which seats 60 students. The children are also able
to borrow general books to take to their classrooms or home.
- c) Art supplies: An art supply loan program provides access to tools
which fosters creativity and give students an opportunity to develop
their creative talents.
- d) Sports supplies: A unique aspect of this library is that we will
provide the tools for the children to participate in sports such as
basketball, soccer and football. Through sports, children develop
confidence, learn new skills, and stay physically active for overall health and well-being. A healthy body fosters a healthy
mind.
- e) Computer Lab: Even basic computer skills can help unlock the door to
future employment. The library has 16 brand new computers. The
information superhighway has traditionally been blocked by poverty …
access to information technology helps to reduce the digital gap
between the advantaged and the disadvantaged.
- f) Audio Visual Equipment: A mobile cart containing a television and DVD player can move from classroom to classroom so that different groups of students can gather and view educational films and documentaries empowering them with knowledge and understanding of the world.
We would like to thank the supporters who made this project possible ...
