Present Condition of the TLC
The Torrens Learning Center has been a miracle for the people of Kirotshe. Unlike in the USA where the probability of finding more than 1 library within a city is almost 1, finding 100 libraries in the entire D.R. Congo is almost 0. With the blessing Kirotshe has of having the Torrens Learning Center, there are also challenges that comes along.
Current Benefits:
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Unlike me who didn't get a chance to see, let alone touch a computer, the students and the population of Kirotshe has an opportunity to see and touch computers in the TLC.
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For the first time, the students of Kirotshe have over 12,000 books to use. Even though most of them are in English, there are still a great resource for the students. We are hoping for more French books in the near future.
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Some of the students are taking computer classes learning how to use Microsoft Office and the basics of the computer.
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The students, teachers and other intellectuals in the community are able to type and print their documents in the center instead of taking the long trip to Goma. It helps saving them money.
Current Challenges:
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Electricity. We have a generator, but the fuel is expensive making it hard for the library to save money.
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Space. The center is too small for all the books, computers and traffic at the same time. A bigger space is needed for efficient work.
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Internet. With lack of internet, the computers are limited and the library limited to make enough money to support itself. The internet could open new worlds for Kirotshe through skyping with other USA libraries, having web courses from abroad and being able to use the unlimited materials on the internet.
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French books. More french books will lead to increased traffic and effective usage of the TLC.
