A 2,400 sq. feet library will be built from the ground up in a rural village in the Philippines. The library will be on a public school campus in Bulacan, Philippines. It will serve 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.
The library has several programs in place:
- a) Textbooks for everyday use: The library project is unique because not only does it have reference and general reading books- the most important part of the library is to loan books to all students. We are giving the teachers the tools to teach the kids.
- b) Reference Books and general reading: The library will provide access to a variety of much needed reference books; these can be read in the comfortable library which will seat 30 students. The children will also be able to borrow general books they can take home.
- c) Art supplies: An art supply loan program provides access to tools which will foster 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 get active. Physical education is responsible for 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 will initially have three computers and we plan even more. The information superhighway has traditionally been blocked by poverty … access to information technology will help 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.
