Building the Library
Here is a pictorial account of the construction of the new library in Imorona, Thanks to all that helped make this happen.
This is the old library that was in the front portion of Martins house. He is the prez of the local group named HITA, which bascially means to discover, to see, to find
A diverse collection of people contributed, older and younger a like, women and men.
They use a wooden hammer to beat the wood posts into a tight fitting toung and groove relationship.
To hold these posts together they use pegs.
They framed the house by hand, and a lot of hands were involved.
Up on top they reach to put in the last of the pegs.
Here is the basic frame completed.
After working the morning, all the workers had a meal together.
Next is the roof, which is made from palm leaves and usually lasts about 6 years, depending on cyclones.
Here Tom got into the action and picked up a skill to add to his resume.
The roof is done.
The beginning of a floor.
The prez and vice prez are getting the planks laid down.
The floor has been laid and is ready for action.
The outside siding is nailed on.
Here is a view of the inside, with tables.
They are wiring up the solar panels, which will light the place up for night time ready and a place to meet.
Martin in the blue is very proud of the work that has been complete.
Posted by Faith and Tom at 2/21/2009 10:24 AM 
Categories: Peace Corps
Tags: Libaray Association Solar Local
Categories: Peace Corps
Tags: Libaray Association Solar Local
This is so fascinating, because when you say "library" I instantly wondered - my gosh, are these books adequately protected from the weather? But you say the palm leaf roof lasts 6 years? That is AMAZING. I would love to see one of those up close. Thank you for posting these pictures.
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Ah. Seeing all these people at work together warms my heart. You've really got a big heart yourself to go and get involved in helping these communities! God knows they need our help, if only to get started. The best thing is to show them how to manage themselves, and then they can take better care of their communities! A library is definitely a big first step!
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This looks like a really worthwhile and wonderful project. Could the people in these areas benefit from micro-lending schemes such as the ones introduced throughout India?
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Libraries are so important, it should be the most important thing to build after wells and schools. When people can educate themselves better, they can start taking care of their own problems instead of waiting on the Western world to do it for them. Great initiative!
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What a great way to give. I wish I was able to go and help third world countries like this as well, but family obligations keep me here. But still I participate financially as much as I can. I believe that everyone has a right to proper education, and this library is a great first step towards this.
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Nice photos. That is quite the community project. How great that they are not only getting a library but have a hand in building it. I learned years ago when participating in a church project in Appalachia, that doing FOR someone and helping them do for themselves, is a big difference.
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Thanks for the interesting story and pictures. I am wondering what sort of woods were used and how are they treated, given the tropical climate and the propensity for insect infestation. Interesting too about the palm leaf roof.
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Thanks for the interesting story and pictures. I am wondering what sort of woods were used and how are they treated, given the tropical climate and the propensity for insect infestation. Interesting too about the palm leaf roof.
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Nice photos. That is quite the community project. How great that they are not only getting a library but have a hand in building it. I learned years ago when participating in a church project in Appalachia, that doing FOR someone and helping them do for themselves, is a big difference.
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