5 library projects bringing books and resources to communities around the world
Libraries make information more accessible and provide places for people of all ages to read, study and learn about the larger world. They’re also valuable as community meeting spaces and technology hubs.
During their service, many Volunteers work with their
communities to build or improve libraries. Here are five Volunteer projects to
support libraries around the world.
1. Moldova
A Volunteer’s library renovation project
transformed the space into a vibrant hub of the community, offering classes on
everything from computers to knitting and making the library more accessible to
residents.
2. Benin
The “Books for Benin” project turned an empty room into a school library where students can study and prepare for exams. Students can also use their school ID to check out books to take home.
3. Uganda
More than 2,000 female students and 140 teachers benefited from improvements made to several school libraries. A teacher at each school was trained in the library system, with the intention for the teacher to train his or her colleagues, and both teachers and students are gaining computer skills.
4. Zambia
A Volunteer answered a community’s request for a library by working hand-in-hand with local leaders to create a space that has become a center of learning in the community. Students are checking out books and teachers use the newly available books to teach English.
5. Botswana
A small village in eastern Botswana wanted to create a reading room and resource center to make books and technology available to all. The village development committee worked with their local Peace Corps Volunteer to transform a run-down, empty building into a library filled with books and computers.
Support Volunteer projects like these with a donation to the Education fund. Throughout the developing world, Peace Corps Volunteers are working in their communities to share the precious gift of education. Often Volunteers' dedication to teaching is matched by a severe lack of supplies and facilities in which to help. Contributions to this fund will help Volunteer and community projects such as school construction, English language training, school and library material, and adult literacy.
The projects above were funded through the Peace Corps Partnership Program (PCPP), which is a small grants program funded through private sector donations. PCPP funds volunteer–led, community initiated projects in all Peace Corps countries and sectors. Click here to learn more about PCPP.