PeerCorps Trust FundPeerCorps Trust Fund is a Tanzanian non-governmental organization focused upon ensuring access to health, education, and rural development for communities in need.
During my time as a sponsored intern with PeerCorps this summer, I will be assisting in their with Digital Library Initiative, bringing access to educational resources to rural communities that do not have public libraries. The Digital Library Initiative provides individuals in rural communities with access to educational media and eBooks by setting up computer workstations in schools, hospitals, and community centers. This initiative overcomes the challenges of transportation and storage that physical book donations have faced in the past, using portable computers that are connected to a network storage appliance, not reliant upon the Internet. At the same time, the Digital Library Initiative ensures all aspects of its program are easy-to-learn, use, and maintain, so that communities will be able to reap its benefits for many, many years to come. The pilot version of this project was the first of its kind anywhere in Tanzania, and has brought nearly 120,000 digital books to the 30,000 individuals in the town of Nzega, Tanzania as of December 2014. Based upon the great success that it has yielded, we are hoping to document, share, and replicate this resource for communities this summer. Learn more about PeerCorps' recent projects through the PEERVoice Blog. |
The first digital library in Nzega, Tanzania, established by PeerCorps in December 2014.
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Digital Libraries• Digital libraries help to overcome the challenge of transporting and storing physical book donations while increasing access to educational materials.
• The United Nations has supported sharing information through the establishment of the World Digital Library online. • The PeerCorps Digital Library model is unique and well-suited for communities in Tanzania as it does not rely upon the Internet. |
Tanzania• Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa. It is located just south of the Equator.
• Tanzania's official language is Kiswahili, although English, Arabic, and local languages are common, as well. • The capital of Tanzania is Dar es Salaam, a coastal city of almost 5 million residents. |
Claremont McKenna College• Claremont McKenna is a small liberal arts college located in Southern California.
• The Sponsored Internship Program offers students financial support to allow them to take part in a real work experience to build skills for their future career. |