Someone emailed me about the Green Libraries 4 Hope project, and I thought it was pretty cool. So – here’s more information about it. Please share!
“Green Libraries 4 hope is a project that provides children and youth who attend underprivileged public schools in the area surrounding the largest landfill in the state of Oaxaca, with decent, active and transformative school libraries built with a certified technique using recycled materials, with support from parents, teachers, students and YOU!!!
In the area, internet access is limited and there are no libraries or spaces for children to come together, research or read comfortably. We are instilling passion for books, providing appropriate learning environments, creating a healthier environment and forging community ties.
Help children and youth rewrite their stories!
Last year we built two more Green Libraries in the area, bringing the number up to five! This year, we expect to build one more library for the local Telesecundaria, as well as a library for a local Community Center. With your support we can transform garbage into hope!
Why Zaachila, Oaxaca?
The Municipality of Zaachila hosts the largest landfill in the state, which has important environmental, social and economic effects, and also provides the livelihoods for people and families who depend on waste-picking/recycling. Around 17,500 people live in the area, which lacks sewage, running water and sometimes electricity.
Local schools lack internet access and appropriate infrastructure. Many classrooms are still made of recycled metal sheets, which make them hot, noisy and creates a difficult learning environment. Children and youth face economic problems, deficient nutrition and high levels of violence in the area.
In order to provide better learning conditions, improve the environment and enhance educational opportunities, SiKanda builds “Green Libraries” for local schools. We want to break the cycle of poverty through education, solidarity, and awareness. Books are a fantastic tool in the fight against inequality, so join in!
How are they built?
Green Libraries of 60sq meters (650sq feet) are built with a certified echo-technique reusing over 10,000 PET bottles and 8,000 milk cartons! WoW! Materials are readily available, due to the vicinity of the local landfill.
The construction technique is safe and simple. It also maintains a stable temperature inside the room throughout the year. Parents, teachers and students are joined by volunteers and the SiKanda staff in order to create the Green Libraries, making them the result of a collective effort. By building together, the community learns a simple, low-cost building technique that can turn a local problem: garbage, into a solution.
SiKanda provides an initial book collection that is age appropriate for the schools and that includes books about science, biology, history, anthropology and a selection of literature with world classics as well as Mexican and local authors. The collection grows with support from teachers and through our permanent book donation campaign: Pass the Words.
Who are we?
International Solidarity Kanda (SiKanda) is a local non-profit organization that has been working in Oaxaca for the past six years. SiKanda has obtained different awards thanks to its commitment to the empowerment of people who live in slums and fringe areas. You can learn more about who we are, and what we do, on our official website: www.si-kanda.org
How to help Green Libraries:
There are three simple fantastic ways to help Green Libraries grow!
1. Dedicate a book to encourage children and youth to read! You can send a brief message to encourage children and youth to read! We will translate your message to Spanish and place it inside one of the books in the library. You can chose a specific title, or write a message that can be placed in any book. We’re certain our young readers will love to read from you! Contact us at: [email protected]
2. Donate today to our Indiegogo Campaign: Go to http://igg.me/at/greenlibraries and Donate Today! Funds raised for the Green Libraries project are used to build new libraries, create links between the existing ones, expand their book collections and provide workshops, reading sessions, and environmental education for primary and secondary students in one of the poorest states in Mexico.
3. Share the campaign and the project. Share the link to the campaign in your social networks. Encourage friends and family to donate or dedicate a book! Follow us on Facebook www.faceboook.com/sikandaoax and Twitter @sikanda_oaxaca and help us spread the word!”