A Better Library for Tomorrow's Leaders

My name is Liliana Keith-Reid and I grew up on the remote island of Rotuma, near the mainland of Fiji, where many great leaders have emerged.  I left at an early age but this island still holds the dearest place in my heart. I lay awake one night not able to sleep as I thought of the conditions in my former elementary school.  The library at the primary school where 124 children are eager to learn lies in horrible disrepair.

I can’t even imagine these children struggling to learn while sitting on a hard, cold, concrete floor because there are no suitable chairs available for them or any carpets. The children share pencils and there is only one lap top available for the entire school so communication to the outside world is extremely limited.  How can children learn in these impossible conditions?

The books in the library are soiled with pages missing and torn due to no window treatments. There are not enough shelves in the library, so most of the books lie in boxes and get wet every time it rains heavily. These students are the future leaders of Rotuma and books are their road maps and gateway to the world.  The island is so remote that supplies can only be shipped in by boat once a month. Often their internet access is so slow communication can take a month to receive a reply.

These children are in need of books for their library as well as a major renovation of conditions in the library itself. They need laptops to do internet research as they are so eager to learn about the world around them.

It is well known that great readers become even greater leaders. One student in particular named Rhyelle was significantly impacted by her love of books and reading. She spent all her free time including recess and lunch in the library.

The library became Rhyelle’s solace and refuge where she devoured learning.  She went on to achieve the highest mark on her exams in year 6 in the four primary schools in Rotuma. She is the top student in her class in all subjects. Rhyelle obtained a certificate for the first place Getter Oratory where all 4 primary schools and the only high school in Rotuma competed. A library does make a difference at the highest level of achievement possible for all learners.

Will you be a part of this campaign to help all the children in Rotuma have access to more books and a better maintained and higher quality library? Your contribution can make a difference around the world for these children who are the future of our world. The greatest joy is experienced when we give away our resources to enrich someone else’s life. We find our own world expands as a result by being connected to their outcomes. Thank you for your generosity which makes a huge difference.