The concept behind Helena ~Piina Library

Origins:
The Helena library in Piina is part of an educational project designed and being implemented by the Ghanaian local NGO, the Foundation for Rural Education Empowerment and Development (FREED), established in 2002 and with its headquarters in the rural town of Nandom. (Read more about FREED).Tengan Foundation which came into existence a few years later, took over the idea, built the library and now manage it when FREED became defunct. The main operational objective regarding this aspect of educational projects states:

“By December 2010, 75% of all school-going children residing in the Nandom-Lambusie would have access to basic language readers, storybooks, textbooks and other reading materials that improve their literacy in English, Dagaare and Sisaali within 3 kilometers from their place of residence. FREED proposes to establish a chain of library Centres for Learning, Ideas, Knowledge and Skills (CLIKS) to serve as the launching pad for an integrated approach to the promotion of literacy and continued education in the Nandom-Lambusie area.”
Developing the Concept:1. Community Effort
As this operational idea took shape, it became clear to us that raising community interest in the establishment of CLICKS at the different parish levels is in itself a strong educational tool that we should exploit. Our people have shown that, when the interest is there, they can mobilise and build the biggest churches in the whole of Africa mostly out of their own contributions (see picture of Nandom Church built by community effort in 1932). For this particular project we will have to start by mobilising the educated people at the village and parish levels, particularly the priest, religious, workers, politicians, students and others to see this as a sensible thing to do in the promotion of education. FREED would continue to seek funds from outside sources and other established institutions to supplement the community efforts. It was assumed that FREED members from the different parishes constitute a core group and take the lead in community mobilisation.



An Architectural Structure of a library with meaning and Inspiration
As discussions went further it became clear that FREED’s objective will be better achieved if the structure of the building is inspirational in terms of seeking knowledge and providing the environment for creative learning. As such, we envisaged a building structure that is not only serving as a library for books and reading but as place where other forms of learning would take place. A building that would include an audio-visual space, a space for the exposition of creative works – arts, crafts, etc. - and a public space for shows and theatrical performance and also for meetings.


A Library that is promoting Local Knowledge and Talents
An archive and research department that has been established as part of the library centre is facilitating the collection and proper documentation of all knowledge source materials produced by individuals either from the area or about the area. These materials include artefacts in private holdings but which the owners are willing to deposit in the library.

So much has happened since the concept was developed. We will continue to update you on these developments through different postings on this blog and also on our other websites which you can also consult.

To find these locations follow the links:
Tengan Anthropology Africa
Tengan Anthropology Files
Cardinal Dery Memorial