Salio Village is a small community on an island in Western Waigeo, Raja Ampat. The primary industry on the island is fishing. The villagers fish and grow their own vegetables to feed themselves and to trade.
There are no roads on the island and no shops. The locals here are unfamiliar with many of the modern conveniences that we grew up with. Even things like running water and power are new developments on the island.
Homes are basic, and life is simple.
But it's not easy.
The children who grow up in Salio village and other similar fishing communities in this area don't have the same educational opportunities that we take for granted in the Western World.
The school in the village has 80 students in attendance, but only goes to grade 7. If students want to continue their education past this point their families must have the means to send them out of their community to Waigeo's capital city, Waisai, more than 2 hours by sea, where they can attend secondary school.
This doesn't happen very often.
The school on the island is small and basic. It has several classrooms and a hard, dirt sporting field where the students can play volley ball or kick a soccer ball around during their break times. Beyond this, the facilities are extremely limited. One resource that they are severely lacking is BOOKS. As a result, the literacy rate on the island is very poor. Recently, funding was provided to the village school to build a library. This was a very exciting time for the teachers and the students. Unfortunately, though the building is finished, it remains empty.
This is where YOU come in.
I want us to fill that library with books!
So, What next?
1) Get your class/school/club/community together to collect #100BOOKS! These can be donated pre-loved from your own book shelf, or purchased new. Can't quite make 100? No problem, even a handful of books will be appreciated.
What kind of books should you collect? We primarily need books in Indonesian for Primary and Middle School students. English books for second language learners or picture story books in either Indonesian or English will also be appreciated.
2) Arrange pick up or drop off of books. I will be in Bali regularly to collect donations and shop for books. Want me to pay a visit to your school or club to talk more about island life and the school and the project? Too easy! Just drop me a comment below with your email address and I'll be in touch (comments will not be published).
Not in Bali?
If you're not in Indonesia and would like to contribute to this project, monetary donations can be made here at our gofundme page
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Still have questions? Leave me a comment below!
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Thank you for your support!
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