Expand Maitreya School Library for Bihar's Youth

I volunteered for 5 months last year at the Maitreya School of Universal Education, a K-8th school in Bodhgaya, India. I was asked to help them put together a library, help the teachers with their English, and to teach them best practices. I am returning this November to expand the library, its use, and to guide teachers with their teaching. I am seeking funds to expand the library's resources: 4 more bookcases, tables, fans, lighting, books--some purchased here and transported, with the majority of books purchased locally--materials to make books with students, headphones and audio devices, and materials for an early library childhood room. This past year, because of generous donations from people in the States and India, I collected 500 books from teachers in our area and friends and transported them using 3 pieces of luggage. In India, we were able to build 8 bookcases and purchase about 400 books in Hindi and English.

Maitreya School is located in the Bihar State, one of the poorest in India and the 270 students who attend Maitreya are selected from India's lowest castes. I first became interested in this school when I visited the area 16 years ago.

I've been an educator since 1998 and have taught internationally in Burma and then later in the US with at-risk elementary students. I've been both a classroom teacher and PreK-12 Teacher Librarian. Before this, I worked as a library assistant with at-risk teens and before this as a Forest Biologist.

It's pretty amazing how much positive change comes from one small act. Amazing.

Thank you for reading this. Any donation amount is appreciated. Thank you also for sharing this with those you know--so that those who would like to give have an opportunity. Much gratitude.