Novateca held a one-day round-table discussion of ways to foster the collaboration between Peace Corps Volunteers and librarians, on Friday, February 7, 2014. The round-table targeted volunteers and librarians from 13 localities across Moldova and focused on how they can better work together to enhance community development through the implementation of common initiatives.
Novateca broke the ice in October 2013, when the Libraries - Peace Corps Challenge was launched, in partnership with Peace Corps Moldova. The challenge encouraged the Peace Corps volunteers to identify and conduct activities in, with and/or for the libraries of their post location, and to report it back to Novateca Partnerships Department. A total of 13 projects were started so far by Peace Corps volunteers, involving over 200 beneficiaries, ranging from English classes for children from disadvantaged families, English Reading groups, Healthy Lifestyle Practices Class for students, Women Discussion Clubs, to Business Challenge Games, Resume Writing, Online Job Search and Online Application, as well as Fundraiser Activities, such as Jewelry Refurbishing for sale.
The round table proved to be a success, its agenda containing presentations of the PCV - library cooperation projects, brainstorming on further cooperation and information dissemination, and discussions on ways to boost motivation from both sides to leverage existing resources.
The group came with a list of proposed activities, which could be implemented in libraries by/with the involvement of the Peace Corps Volunteers. Examples of these activities are:
- English club, reading sessions for children, movie nights;
- Public Speaking Club, debates, translations;
- Promoting the value and benefits of volunteering;
- Developing e-magazines of local interest;
- Women’s Club, Discussion groups;
- Developing web pages for libraries;
- Offering support in identifying community needs and problems;
- Diversifying the entertainment programs (theater plays, games, etc.);
By the end of the round table, Novateca and Peace Corps Moldova have agreed to explore ways of intensifying their cooperation. Peace Corps will invite Novateca to all introductory trainings for newcomer volunteer groups, and Novateca will contribute to Peace Corps Moldova host organization recruiting efforts, disseminating the information among its network and local public administration partners.
Could not load widget with the id 42.
