Help Set-up a Library for a Community School

“Education is the only treasure I can pass on to you! So get up! Go to school!” An overused line from our parents that serves as an alarm clock, in getting us ready for school. Overused, but still holds true up to now.

In a small village in the eastern part of the Visayas state in the Philippines, there is a community school named HIPO Elementary School, where my foundations of learning were nurtured and developed, 30 years ago. The school is attended by the pupils from the neighbouring mountain and fishing villages.

Recently, I saw a book donation drive on Facebook and I remembered my elementary school. I recalled every facility it had; ten (10) rooms, a Home Economics building and a principal’s office. I never can recall that I experienced going to a library. So I messaged my childhood friend who is now serving as a teacher of the school, to confirm my recollection, and indeed, the school has had no library ever since! Heart breaking.

I asked my friend to discuss with the faculty about the possibility of setting up a library and if they could spare a room for it. And I got the biggest YES!

In rich countries, learning materials like books are not a concern. The internet is available in every home, school and just about anywhere. All are provided. All that is needed is kids’ willingness to learn. Back home, we have to rely on our teachers' daily lessons, based on the standard books provided by the government. We were mindless of other rich topics outside of the lesson plan. Of course now, there is already the internet to do research, but most students are from within or even fall below the poverty line. Being able to rent from a computer shop is the last or even not a priority at all.

It is for this very reason that I am knocking at your kind hearts to help me realise this goal. I have already collected some books from marketplaces, from those who are moving houses and from friends. I bought some from the op shops for a bargain. I will send them to the Philippines when the box is full. However, there are those generous hearts who ask for a gofundme account and are willing to donate cash rather than sending books. They find it more practical that way, considering the additional shipping cost and time it requires. Of course that is a welcome option.

This project will not only focus on books, but also to provide hopefully a computer station where students can take turns using it. We are now in the most modern times, but some of these students haven't ever seen an actual computer unit. Unbelievable, unthinkable to some, but 100% true to our case.

Whenever we have excess books and funds as proceeds of this cause, we will go to the next village school and set-up another library. We will give updates as to the progress of this initiative, and will ensure proper documentation and accounting. The proceeds will be sent to the beneficiary school via remittance, since gofundme is not yet available in the Philippines. Should you have any other ideas, please feel free to contact us.

This is going to be a continuing advocacy, and will last while it serves meaning and purpose to life.

Thank you very much!