Summary of project status and achievements:
This month the PM continued working with the management of Meheba B Basic School to negotiate the handover of the library from FORGE to the school. Based on discussions with the school management and with FORGE head offices in Oakland, it was decided that a handover period of six months would be enacted where FORGE would work with the library on a consulting basis to encourage continued operation and book maintenance. If all provisions of this handover period are met by the end of the six months, all of the books will remain in the library. A document was signed by the school management and FORGE to enforce this.
On November 25th a training was held with the librarians to work on programs for the library to increase attendance during the school holidays. The Library Coordinator conducted the training on how to run library operations and catalog books as well as how to use the books in the library to teach children basic skills. This nursery school curriculum has been used in the F Library for some time with great success. The PM also taught on how to start reading circles with children and book clubs with older patrons. The idea of book reviews and poetry clubs were also discussed. Each librarian will be able to choose which, if any, of these programs their community would find useful. It is the hope that these programs can begin during the December school break.
Future activities and projections:
In December, the librarians will begin enacting the programs taught during the training. As well, they will try to implement a new sign-in system that will better track the number of individuals visiting the libraries.
Indicators and statistics:
Please see attached M&E spreadsheet.
Substantial problems or issues:
During November, the library in Block D was not able to operate full time due to the school needing to use the space to conduct grade nine examinations. The school informed FORGE that as soon as the examinations were finished the library could go back to operating full time.
Wishes or requests:
None.
Budget:
Please see expense monitor.
