A major focus of the Toledo school district, located in Belize, Central America, is to establish new libraries in some of the thirty two villages they serve, as well as upgrade and restock their existing libraries. In 2009, New World Villages sent more than 5000 elementary school library books to the Toledo District school system, headquartered in Punta Gorda, Belize.
The 5000 library books were acquired by New World Villages through a very generous donation from Marie Gavaghan. Marie was a grammar school teacher in the Seattle area for over thirty years. During that time, she acquired the library books for use with her students. Upon retirement, Marie was determined to see these books made available to other students in less fortunate areas. When she learned about New World Villages, she felt strongly that we could be the vehicle to make her desire for helping less fortunate children a reality.
Through phone conversations and face to face meetings, it was determined that, in fact, NWV and Marie were a perfect match. Marie then carefully boxed all the high quality books, with help from her friend Sr. Cabrini, for the trip to Belize. She then made another very generous donation of financing to cover the cost of shipping. NWV picked up the packaged books, all 52 boxes, and sent them to our contacts in the Toledo school district, using Cross International for shipment. We are very proud of our role in this educational project and are also very proud to have met and worked with Marie Gavaghan.
Library Expansion Project, Toledo District, Belize, Central America
Marie Gavaghan, a retired Seattle area school teacher, has donated more than 5,000 books to Toledo District libraries.
Marie with friend Sister Cabrini, who helped pack
the 52 boxes of books.
