Hi-Tech, Lo-Tech

[avad]

We got a new computer! A desk-top Dell.Ordered it inline and it came to the door via UPS (how cool is that.). B says it's like X-mas...can't keep his hands off the new 'toy'. Thank goodness, so he can be the one to set it all up.;) Now our fantasy of being able to work at computers side by side is a reality (I'm still using our ancient laptop on dial-up until I can afford a new one). It really is amazing, not having to fight over computer-time, since we're both addicted to the internet.:)We are lucky folk oh yeah.
Speaking of counting blessings, I just received a final report on the Dipilto Library Project in Nicaragua (one of the Peace Corps projects I contributed to) and it was a splash of cold water. A loud reminder that SO MUCH MORE is needed. And they're not asking, it's just the facts that are speaking. This library, now 'complete' through the hard work of volunteers with excellent intentions (I had been sent pictures earlier on of it being built), this 'library' has 150 books in it. (!) Books well chosen, a map, a globe, some educational toys. BUT 150 BOOKS?! That's less than HALF of what I myself have in my bookshelf here! And this is to be a community library?!?! I almost cried. Really, it struck me so hard. *sigh* The project is listed as 'complete'. A final report. ugh. There has to be a way to do more. Online I find a site by former Peace Corps volunteers taking their mission further in this arena: worldlibraries.org
I'm going to look into it more.
Some current similar Peace Corps Partnership Projects that are looking for help are El Coyol Library Project
and School Construction in Niger
*sigh* So much to do...so much we CAN do. I swing between feeling overwhelmed and feeling totally fortunately CAPABLE. Capable is the reality, damnit.

Comments

[-sophera-.livejournal.com]

A library of 150 books - an elegant contrast to our own affluence.

Re:

[avad.livejournal.com]

It's a start, to be sure, but I cannot be satisfied with that. We're talking a public library, not one person's affluence. Possibly the only access to varied information. As a child I went with my father every week to the library, taking out as many books as we could carry. And always knowing there were MORE waiting.This was very important in my development..and fueled my desire to learn and my curiousity. Also we're talking 150 books total, for all ages. SO for a given person there are much less that are appropriate....*sigh*

[-sophera-.livejournal.com]

Perhaps you misunderstood me...? - I didn't mean 150 books was a good thing, just the opposite. Most people who enjoy reading have at least that number scattered about the house.

Re:

[avad.livejournal.com]

Oh I'm sorry...I wasn't sure what you were implying with 'elegant'. I should know better with you..:).I think I was just responding to some ghosts in my head that have taken the argument of the wonderful, idealized 'simple' life vs. the 'poison' of knowledge and technology. ergh. *sigh* heck, I'm just emotional. forgive?

[-sophera-.livejournal.com]

I think it's great that you are supporting the library project and bringing it to peoples' attention!

[chaizzilla.livejournal.com]

send some ruta maya kids down that way, every gringo spot i swung through seemed to have piles of books in the trade pile.

Re:

[avad.livejournal.com]

I hate having to plead ignorance, but: 'ruta maya'? name of an area? slang? Also, what is 'the trade pile'?