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MISSION STATEMENT
Children’s Library International builds Library/Learning Centers in various countries around the world as living monuments to peace and goodwill among peoples. It explores and acts upon opportunities to improve the health, education and welfare of the individuals in the communities these facilities serve. Finally, it builds enduring personal relationships between and among all who become part of the library family, whether sponsors, travelers, government officials, war veterans, citizens, adults or children---with the primary focus on children, their hopes, dreams and aspirations for their futures.
Our core philosophy is truly American, the common man can get things done and that's where the real power to change things is. Our approach is not only very American; it's very Oriental too. It is the 'little guy' that does big things. Added to this is the fact that we are here to stay and help, well after the building is built. Upon leaving each library and site after work is done, I have two important messages I leave with the people: "we will be back" and "this is only the beginning."
Some things we've learned along the way:
1/ BEING BIG BY BEING SMALL
Doing small charitable projects have big advantages. Our large central Library Projects are $40,000. We envision, someday, a nationwide system of over 600 central libraries in the 600 districts of Vietnam, (in addition to the 100 in Lao) with an unlimited number of smaller satellite facilities ranging in cost from $1,500 to $15,000.
The total would run well over $25,000,000. BUT, this is not a $25,000,000 charitable project. With small individual budgets we can control costs as well. With small buildings we can insure excellent quality control. And with any one project never exceeding $40,000, there is simply no interest by anyone who might think there was some personal gain to be had of any significance, corruption is not an issue.
I have had frank and productive conversations about corruption as to these projects and we have not run into even a hint of it at any time. By doing these as small individual projects we are simply not big enough to get on a potential "ne'er do well's" radar screen.
2/ TIME TOGETHER BUILDS BONDS
We spend time with the people. This is a labor of fun in both countries, the Laos and Vietnamese people being such a real pleasure to be around and having great humors. Most NGOS, though doing good work, do not have leaders who spend time to get to know the people that make charity projects go. Our relationships our sound, and personal trust and good feelings abound-and this extends to chairty donors and anyone motivated with the projects.
3/ AMERICAN HERITAGE IS OUR STRENGTH
Being American is our number one asset. We carry our heritage proudly. In each venue we discuss history,and the American deep understanding of poverty. I carry my family trees (Father- German, Mother- Irish) with me. Pointing out from when we American come the fact that poverty and disenfranchisement are deep in our national memory and that of our individual families has lead to a sense of common heritage we draw on. And this leads to mutual respect and teamwork.
4/ OPTIMISIM DEFINES US
Optimism is the greatest American trait-we exude it 24 hours a day when on our missions. On MANY occasions, members of the People's Committees have commented that this is "A happy" project-it looks to the future with excitement and anticipation that, yes, we can touch the stars. As an incurable optimist I may fall prey to some criticism for being a little hokey. But they have had it so tough throughout their histories that its time things changed for the better-the some outlook our ancestors had when they undertook steerage voyages on stormy seas for months just to have a chance for a better life ... again we Americans understand them because we've been there.
5/ WE ALWAYS COME BACK
We always come back, our relationship lives on after the construction is done and the dedication event held. Any sense of abandonment that may have some historical routes simply is eradicated. We are not just there for a feel-good photo-ops for stateside consumption. We are here to stay to improve these projects and work with the people--the dedication is ONLY THE BEGINNING.
The objective of the Children's Library International is to create such keys, forged to open doors to cultural exchanges, international discourse, peace, understanding, cooperation, and economic development. This is a people to people effort. The very all- encompassing nature of a library and learning center makes it the kinds of humanitarian effort that allows free flight of fancy for ways to open each of these doors- limited only by our imaginations and hard work in making the keys.
The generous hearts and practical minds of Americans and others around the globe joining in is not in question. They will if we show them something truly worthwhile to invest their hearts, passions, expertise, time and donations in.
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