The Accompong Library and Internet Cafe

Okay, we’ve been putting off writing this blogpost because it’s one of the biggest projects we’ve been working on since we reached Accompong. There were so many different facets to it that it’s hard to summarize in one simple blogpost. But here goes:

The Accompong Library has been revamped, and has now become the Accompong Library & Internet Café. It now includes high-speed internet, 12 workstations each with its own new computer, 1 server/administrative computer with its own workdesk, a printer/copier/scanner, new children’s books!, new bookshelves, curtains, and overall, a whole new look.


There were three main players: Universal Access Fund provided the computers, JACOM provided the internet, and the Jr. Council provided the volunteer service to put in the finishing touches. Local carpenters and electricians made the needed structural changes to the building.

JC!

About 2 weeks ago, we held a grand opening ceremony which included the attendance of Jamaica’s major TV networks and newspapers. Although overseeing the ceremony was at times stressful, it all went very well –including the part where Matt had to give a speech :).


(P.S. The newly painted mural (Julie’s concept) consists of trees that can be found in Accompong, with community member handprints serving as ‘leaves’.)