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May 2014
Babale Base, Fiji

Objective Education Enrichment

The GVI Charitable Trust and members of the local
community work together to build a library for the 143
children of Navunisea District School.









In March GVI began the construction of the new Library as part of its long term goals to
improve the infrastructure, increase literacy and facilitate creative and physical
development at Navunisea District School. The aim was to provide a facility, which would
give children access to books, educational games, music and sports equipment and art
materials to improve their knowledge and education.
The library project would not have been possible
without the generous contributions to the GVI
Charitable Trust. Many of the former volunteers from
NDS returned home and donated or fundraised to the
GVI CT, collectively donating $15,000. It was with
these funds that GVI was able to purchase the
materials required and commence construction.

Cost Breakdown
Hardware
Electrical
Timber
Finishings

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The library project required a large about of timber,
GVI made it a priority to use materials which were
sourced locally and sustainably, rather than relying
on imported materials. The team also hired a
foreman and a small team of tradesman from the
community, to work on specific elements of the
construction and support, train and guide the
volunteers. These elements were important and
contributed to our goals regarding the wider
community and the environment.
Volunteers learn how to use tools.
The team broke ground in early March and in the first
week the construction team hand dug and built the
foundations and began laying the floor. Over the coming
weeks the structure quickly took form; the floor, external
walls and rafters were all in place after the second week.

In the beginning of May, eight weeks after we began construction, GVI opened the library
doors to the pupils of Navunisea. It was a day of great celebration and excitement, which
reflected the pride from everyone who was involved. The library was officially opened by
the Divisional Education Officer for the Central division of Fiji.

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The new library not only houses the wonderful books sourced by GVI and offers a secure
storage space for materials, it has
also ensured that the resources
are more accessible for the
volunteers to use with their pupils
on a daily basis. The library also
acts as an additional learning
space, which relieves the two
large composite classes. The
volunteers can use the large
tables and cosy corners for one-
on-one reading and for the one-
on-one tuition program, which
provides ongoing support to
pupils with learning difficulties.


The completed library, filled with books and resources


Literacy levels have already be estimated to have improved by nearly 30% across the whole
school and international volunteers have helped foster new enthusiasm for reading,
boosting the confidence of the pupils. The library showcases the fantastic range of fiction
and nonfiction books available and the GVI Dawasamu team hopes it will foster a love for
reading amongst the children even further. For more information on The GVI Charitable
Trust and our Fiji projects please visit:
GVI CHARITABLE TRUST www.gvi.org GVI VOLUNTEERNG www.gvi.co.uk