The objective of the Library of Vietnam and Library of Laos Projects 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.

I. LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

This is the central objective around which all else turns--to build library   facilities and completely furnished, staff, and stock them -with books   and computer capabilities. Each library is a flagship in the district of the   province it serves, with small satellite library outlets and facilities to be   built new or outfitted in existing structures and institutions These are   LIBRARY AND LEARNING CENTER SYSTEMS to be built inch-by-inch, step   by step, but only with your help.

II. LEARNING CENTER PROGRAMS

Development of usages of the Libraries as Learning Centers beyond the traditional book repository is the most significant part of our work. With the advice and support of local officials, professional and trade people, businesses, companies, and donations we continue to expand library use through an aside army of services, seminars, training courses, presentations in cooperation with other educational providers, government agencies and cultural organizations.

III. ASSOCIATION WITH AND SUPPORT FOR INSTITUTIONS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRIES

In the course of soliciting support for the construction, administration and development of the   library systems, opportunities to work with other types of institutions will be encouraged and   acted upon, to include working with colleges, universities, trade schools and professional   schools, such as law and medicine. All require special types of library resources and expertise,   and offer the possibility for international cooperation with donors in the USA. We will make the   most of these charities to improve the futures of Vietnam and Laos.

IV. LIBRARY OF VIETNAM PROJECT VOLUNTEER TRAVEL PROGRAM"

This is an opportunity for Americans traveling to Vietnam to engage in meaningful projects.    They will be introduced to and welcomed by local officials, teachers, and citizens, at our    library & the school officials at each institution with which these libraries are associated, will    arrange for travelers to participate in cultural and educational activities with students and    people from the community. Mere contact with people from other cultures is treasured among    the Vietnamese.

V. VIETNAMESE AND AMERICAN YOUTH CULTURAL EXCHANGE

For students 12-19 years old, this includes the initiation of pen-pal program, and will add    e-mail communications as technological capabilities expand    through our efforts. Students sign up for this and are given an    outline on ideas to write about. Also, suggestions on things to    exchange will be in the student participation packet. Each    American will develop a broad familiarity with Vietnamese through    completion of a brief list of readings, and seeing movies and news    clips relating to Vietnam from the war years through 2003 by    focusing on the counties' histories, traditions and cultures OUTSIDE the war experience.

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