My Ukrainian friend
Olga emailed me that she walked to the Starobelsk Public Library the other day and went into the grand
reading room where we had held our English Club. It is now the "Computer Room,' she said, thanks to the dedicated work we did to make it happen, including three grants to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The Foundation had a project, the Bibliomist project, whose goal was to computerize libraries in Ukraine. This certainly addressed a real need in Starobelsk. We jumped on it. After going through many hoops and many tries, "the little library that could" in far-eastern Ukraine got ten computers, wifi, and free ublic access to incredible online resources and services.
So Olga watched the people at the computers and talked with the librarians. It was nice news.
Service to country. It's what the Peace Corps is all about. It's a commitment to representing America abroad, building grassroots friendships and cross-cultural understanding. So on this Veteran's Day 2013, I hope Americans will recognize Peace Corps along with our brave soldiers, veterans, and all those who have served and still serve abroad. |
| English Club, Starobelsk Public Library, 2009-11. "We are the World!" |
The Foundation had a project, the Bibliomist project, whose goal was to computerize libraries in Ukraine. This certainly addressed a real need in Starobelsk. We jumped on it. After going through many hoops and many tries, "the little library that could" in far-eastern Ukraine got ten computers, wifi, and free ublic access to incredible online resources and services.
So Olga watched the people at the computers and talked with the librarians. It was nice news.
Добрый день,
дорогая Френ! Я заходила в библиотеку. В большом зале стоят компьютеры. Зал
полон людей- студентов и школьников за компьютерами. Все сотрудники передают
вам огромный привет. Только при упоминании о вашем имени все улыбались. Вы
сделали большое дело. Оставили яркий и незабываемый след Спасибо вам за ваш труд. Здоровья вам и
удачи! Мы вас любим!
Loosely translated Olga said: Good day, dear
Fran! I came to the library and went into the great hall with the computers. The
room was full of people, students and school children at the computers. All
employees send you a huge hello. Just the mention of your name brought smiles
to all! You left an
indelible mark. We all thank you for your hard work. We wish you health and
good luck. We love you!
It’s the best
news a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) can get, to know that their work with
their community made a difference, created friendships, and opened up a window of hope. Over 200,000 American citizens who have volunteered with the Peace Corps in over 200 countries around the globe can say the same thing.
Today, America needs to remember the 8,073 volunteers who are now serving in 76 countries. They are grassroots ambassadors empowering local people to take charge of their futures. They lay the foundations for peace from the bottom up.
Today, America needs to remember the 8,073 volunteers who are now serving in 76 countries. They are grassroots ambassadors empowering local people to take charge of their futures. They lay the foundations for peace from the bottom up.
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