By Mark de Courcy Ling | Volunteer
In November, over the course of two weeks we visited 14communities in the municipalities of Santarém and Oriximiná in the state of Pará, just bordering the neighbouring state of Amazonas. These visits, by providing face-to-face contact and thus strengthening bonds between Vaga Lume and the communities, make up an essential part of the Expedition Program. In the communities of Atodi (in the municipality of Santarém) and Nossa Senhora da Piedade (Oriximiná), we held courses with the participation of the local community, training local volunteers and making preparations to set up a Vaga Lume library. In the other 12communities, we visited the already established libraries, bringing with us fresh stocks of new books. We engaged in games with the children and spoke to the community leaders about how the library is functioning, and how else Vaga Lume can help to promote a love of reading in the community.
Upon arrival at these communities, it was fantastic to see the enthusiasm with which the children embraced the new boxes of books. They loved not only to read them, but also to show them to their friends and read them aloud to each other. It was clear that the library was not merely a facility for the community to use, but rather an integrated part of the community itself. The communities themselves took ownership of the libraries and made them their own. As a result, the libraries possessed an atmosphere of warmth, comfort and liveliness.
It is clear that the libraries tie together communities, and that the community identity brings each library its own unique character. It was a pleasure to see the creativity with which the children had decorated their reading spaces. A place of calm, reflection and inspiration had been cultivated out of just a simple room. The two weeks we spent with these communities provided just a glimpse into the true benefit that these libraries bring not only to the children, but to everyone involved.
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By Tamires Tanaka | Analyst of Fundraising and Partnerships
By Tamires Tanaka | Analyst of Fundraising and Partne
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