In 2008, TALICA took on this project with partner NGO Project Bona Fide. TALICA saw an opportunity to help establish and support a community library. This is TALICA's first collaborative project and they are pleased with the progress.
Children's Collection and Reading Corner
Who's Who's at Project Mano Amiga!
TALICA provides volunteers, books, materials and furniture for each community project housed in the library. The center has become the home for many community projects. TALICA is currently working with local individuals and other international organizations to develop and secure funds for community projects.
International group Project Bona Fide purchased and donated the building to the cause. They are crucial to the infrastructure and daily maintenance of the property so that the center can provide a safe and sound place for activities and reading. Project Bona Fide is an organization dedicated to sustainable food sources and ecologically sound farming. For more information visit www.projectbonafide.com
Another important partner in this endeavor is the Totoco Community Development Center. Among many other things, Totoco funds special tutoring classes for students who struggle most in the areas of math and reading. Also, its director, Patricia Pillet, secured the first collection of books for Project Mano Amiga. She organized funding for the packing and shipment of the books from a library in Spain. In addition, she gives free English classes and is available for various other tasks. For more information about Totoco's work with the community center, visit www.totoco.com.ni .
Left: Judy Sieffert helps students navigate through software. Right: Students enjoying learning through technology donated by the Amigos Ventures Project.
Just recently, the AmigosVentures Project donated three laptops and software to provide foreign language instruction to older students and adults. International volunteer, Judy Sieffert, trained local teachers to maintain the computers and support students during class.
Local center director, Roberto Mairena has established a Spanish Language Academy for foreign nationals and tourists who visit the island. Students pay a program fee that is placed in a fund to pay fare wages to Spanish instructors and for basic operational costs of the center. For more information about his classes visit www.chuku-chuku.com/index.html
Left: Patricia Pillet, director Totoco Community Development Center leads a Spanish and English literacy class. Right: Co-director, Roberto Mairena, reads along side visitors to the library.
Left: Extra help is offered to struggling math students. Right: Community Garden Project
TALICA pledges continued responsible and consistent support.
Many Thanks!
March 2010
