Here in Burkina Faso, we have an expression “West African International Time – WAIT.” After a year of discussing logistics, researching possible partnerships with NGOs, finding a suitable library building, making necessary repairs to the building, organizing a motivated library committee and finding a capable librarian – Niankorodougou does not have to wait any longer.
On Thursday, May 8, 2007, we received news from Friends of Burkina Faso that they were giving us a 1,778,200 Fcfa (about $4000) grant!! This money will go towards purchasing all general materials for the library and about 250 books. The books will be in French, English, Arabic and local language and will cover a variety of topics from children’s school books to agricultural manuals to African novels and more. Moussa, FAVL and I will be making book purchases in Ouagadougou over the next month to bring back to Niankorodougou. And then the library will be open and running and there will be lots of reading!
In order to keep the library open and running, the project relies on donations from people like you. The majority of monetary donations will go towards the librarian salary and book purchases over the coming years. The library will be open 20 hours a week with regular hours for children’s story time and peer reading programs. Click on “How You Can Help” for more information about making a donation.
About Friends of Burkina Faso:
Friends of Burkina Faso, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable NPCA-affiliated organization
- Maintains a network of returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) and friends of
Burkina Faso;
- Provides funding and assistance to support projects in Burkina Faso;
- Improves social interaction, communication and information exchange; and
- Educates others about the country and culture of Burkina Faso.
