Things have started moving more quickly here at the library. I find myself getting so busy at times that I am almost too busy. Quite a few of my projects are moving forward rapidly and today I am going to tell you about a new project idea.
I have been put into contact with a group called Interconnect. They are based in Washington State. Basically what this group/company/organization does is take used computers, refurbish them and sell them to developing nations at a discounted price. Now I have told you all that I am going to be teaching computer classes at the library, right? Well the computers we are using are all quite old. One of the things that I would like to get the ladies in the class to work on is raising funds to get "new" machines for the library. I am actually pretty excited about the idea. Another interesting dynamic revolves around shipping. The more computers you order the lower the cost to ship. So I have been exchanging emails with a number of different groups, peace corps volunteers and other Belizeans to hopefully put together a larger order and drop the per unit cost.
As of right now we are estimating a cost of about US$100 per computer, not bad really. The head librarian and I have been doing some brainstorming as to how we are going to raise the funds, about BZ$3000 or US$1500. We have set a working goal of US$750 to be raised by the library itself, with other assistance coming from outside sources. (Don't be surprised if in the next couple of months you see an appeal come from me :)
I am putting up a few pictures from the library as well as a couple fun ones...enjoy!
4 comments:
SO GREAT to see photos of the library! i remember it, but obviously not through the eyes of a pc volunteer who spends most days there... as i recall, the young adult shelves were well stocked with Danielle Steele and Tom Clancy, with a few oddballs like 'appalachian cooking' and 'human bones & tissue' thrown in for good measure. Can we see some photos of you with the kids or Ms. Elena or your neighbors? Step out from behind the lens, maybe? :)
xox
Bruiser
great photos and post! Love seeing the library where you are working- it is nicer and more well-equipped than I expected. I will be thinking about how I can help you! love you lots.
Hi Jake, This is Anne and Ashley. We are peace corps volunteers in Quetzaltenango Guatemala! We are planning a christmas trip to Belize and knew that the best way to find out where the hot spots are is to ask peace corps people! So we looked up belize on the peace corps journal thing. We were wondering if you have any suggestions?? we want to go to an amazing beach and just have a great time. a hammock is a must! haha Thank you. If you ever want to come visit Guatemala let me know. my email is magellanoel@gmail.com, Anne
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