May 2014Babale Base, Fiji

Objective – Education Enrichment

The GVI Charitable Trust and members of the local community work together to build a library for the 143

children of Navunisea District School.

In March GVI began the construction of the new Library as part of its long term goals to improve the infrastructure, increase literacy and facilitate creative and physical development at Navunisea District School. The aim was to provide a facility, which would give children access to books, educational games, music and sports equipment and art materials to

improve their knowledge and education.

The library project would not have been possible without the generous contributions to the GVI Charitable Trust. Many of the former volunteers from NDS returned home and donated or fundraised to the GVI CT, collectively donating $15,000. It was with these funds that GVI was able to purchase the materials

required and commence construction.

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Cost Breakdown

HardwareElectricalTimberFinishings

The library project required a large about of timber, GVI made it a priority to use materials which were sourced locally and sustainably, rather than relying on imported materials. The team also hired a foreman and a small team of tradesman from the community, to work on specific elements of the construction and support, train and guide the volunteers. These elements were important and contributed to our goals regarding the wider community and the environment.

Volunteers learn how to use tools.

The team broke ground in early March and in the first week the construction team hand dug and built the foundations and began laying the floor. Over the coming weeks the structure quickly took form; the floor, external walls and rafters were all in place after the second week.

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In the beginning of May, eight weeks after we began construction, GVI opened the library doors to the pupils of Navunisea. It was a day of great celebration and excitement, which reflected the pride from everyone who was involved. The library was officially opened by the Divisional Education Officer for the Central division of Fiji.

The new library not only houses the wonderful books sourced by GVI and offers a secure storage space for materials, it has also ensured that the resources are more accessible for the volunteers to use with their pupils on a daily basis. The library also acts as an additional learning space, which relieves the two large composite classes. The volunteers can use the large tables and cosy corners for one-on-one reading and for the one-on-one tuition program, which provides ongoing support to pupils with learning difficulties.

The completed library, filled with books and resources

Literacy levels have already be estimated to have improved by nearly 30% across the whole school and international volunteers have helped foster new enthusiasm for reading, boosting the confidence of the pupils. The library showcases the fantastic range of fiction

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and nonfiction books available and the GVI Dawasamu team hopes it will foster a love for reading amongst the children even further. For more information on The GVI Charitable Trust and our Fiji projects please visit:

GVI CHARITABLE TRUST www.gvi.org GVI VOLUNTEERNG www.gvi.co.uk

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