"Ubuntu" , its a saying used here in Namibia meaning - I am, because we are.
I couldn't think of a motto more fitting. One of the MANY benefits of being a Peace Corps Volunteer serving in Namibia is that I get to not only teach, but I get the privilege of aiding in Secondary Projects. In chatting with my community, school staff, and more importantly learners its been brought to my attention a few things they have on their wish list for Kasote.
Many learners say they want things to do and a library. One learner told me "I wish I could go into a library with books all the way from the floor to the ceiling like people do in the movies." Being that I'm a totally book worm it's an idea I'm more than willing to support. The learners have to learn and test in English in order to graduate so getting them to do recreational reading would not only boost up scores, but open them up to whole new worlds. So I am in the process of trying to get a grant written for funding to build the library and hopefully get some supplies for it. However, in the mean time I could use your help! I want to create a Library/Activity Center for the school/community. If there is anyone willing to send some supplies to help with this, I would love to get a jump start on things. Especially to get them reading!
Supplies I'm hoping to get are:
New or gently used books, all levels
- I would really like to do group reading where we read a book that is also a movie so that we can have "Movie nights" to reward finishing books so if anyone would like to send a book paired with its movie that would be great.
Art supplies
- paint brushes
- pipe cleaners
- rubber bands
- rules
- color pencils
- crayons
- markers
- puff paint
- tie dye
- any extra things you have lying around
- yarn
- googley eyes
- string
- beads
- anything fun!
Again, items can be gently used. The "cheapest" way to ship is via flat rate envelops and/or flat rate boxes. The pricing I'm aware of is "Small flat rate box" $20.00USD, "Medium flat rate box is" $60.00USD, and "Large flat rate box" which costs $85.00USD. I have heard from others that sometimes a local business is willing to sponsor the shipping cost if you run a book drive/art supply drive. I will try to find more details! Who knows, maybe you'll get a special thank you for your donation.
Goodies can be mailed to:
Jamie Torres - Peace Corps 42
P.O. Box 114
Rundu, Namibia
9000
Also, I'm hoping to help re-build a sheltered area where they use to make Yisima (porridge) to give to the learners to help prevent starvation amongst learners. The school gets funding to supply the Yisima, but the sheltered area is not up to code so the program is on hold. I will keep you all up to date about how it goes. Hopefully my project will be supported to get a grant/fundraiser via Peace Corps so keep following!
Wish me Luck in getting approved for a grant to build the Library/Activity Center/Feeding Shelter.
*Disclaimer: The contents of this blog are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.
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