Dictionary Drive

To all who wants to make a difference- I am collecting dictionaries from the US to give to individuals in Rwanda who want to learn and expand their English vocabulary. Dust off the dictionary that has been sitting on your shelf unopened for years, people here in Rwanda will cherish these books. Please give them to my mother or Brian Collins by the end of September. If you need contact information please email me (averykarlowich@gmail.com) and I will send you further details. Don’t have a dictionary to donate, you can order an inexpensive used one at www.betterworldbooks.com, domestic shipping is free and profits go to literacy initiatives worldwide.

I am writing this blog on behalf of potential recipients of dictionaries that aspire to teach themselves and through education lead a better life.

When I first arrived in Rwanda I was trained on culture, language, and technical aspects, upon completion I was sworn in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer and I have been living in a community in the north evaluating the needs of the people and assessing how I can help establish long-term sustainable projects and solutions. Currently I am working with the Mafurebo Primary School on a variety of different projects, from improving the quality of the education and the curriculum to helping with the structure of the school and a water collection systems. The Mafurebo Primary School is located in a rural and mountainous area and does not have running water or electricity. Agriculture is the main source of income in the region. Despite the living conditions the Mafurebo Primary School is determined to educate the youth that attend the school through progressive and forward-thinking curriculum.

The headmaster and teachers of the school are feverishly trying to learn English, they are determined to become fluent. They listen to the Voice Of America Special English segment on the radio whenever it is available and converse with me in English as much as possible. It has come to my attention that the school does not have any dictionaries for teachers or students to look up words they are unfamiliar with. In October of 2008 the Rwandan Government declared English to be the official language of instruction, opening Rwanda up to a world of new opportunities. While the teachers are doing the best they can, dictionaries would greatly improve their vocabularies and provide them with increased hope towards the future.

Approximately 1,320 teachers and students will be directly affected; the books will create an indirect benefit for the community members as well. While shipping costs are normally astronomical having someone deliver them personally would eliminate all transport fees, this is possible because Brian Collins is coming here!!

Dictionaries will immediately have a positive effect and dramatically improve the vocabulary and conversing abilities of the students and teachers at the Mafurebo Primary School. They will help create a culture of literacy and provide the tools of empowerment to the next generation of parents, teachers, and leaders.


Make a difference!

XO Keza