How
does it work?
Activiteca functions as a
lending library and
training resource for
schools and teachers, and
an interactive museum for
the public. It houses,
makes aiialable, and
demostrates the use of a
wide variety of materials,
equipment, and books in
eight subject areas.
Where is it?
In a municipal building in
Catacamas, a small city in
Olancho, Honduras.
Who is it for?
In line with its two-fold
mission, Activiteca serves
two main groups:
- Any teacher from a
public or private school
may apply to become an
Activiteca member. The
first step of approval is
an observation of his or
her class to determine if
the level of control is
sufficient to prevent
damage to the borrowed
materials.
- Anyone from the public,
of any age or educational
background, can come to
“Club
Activiteca†and
sit at one of the tables to
participate in a learning
experience, go in and read
in the Reading Room, or
attend an Activiteca event
such as a fair.
Is it
all free?
Activiteca is not a free
service, both because some
expenses need to be
covered, and because the
users will value the
services more if they pay
something, even if minimal.
Teachers pay fees according
to the borrowing plans they
select, and each borrowing
teacher pays a deposit.
There are small entrance
fees to the Reading Room,
Club Activiteca, and other
events.
Are there any other
conditions?
There are rules on use of
materials and behavior
while in Activiteca, to
prevent loss and damage.
Because some of the
materials are delicate or
complex, teachers are
required to take training
before borrowing them, and
to control the use and
storage of the materials in
their classrooms.
Who is paying for this?
The fees charged at
Activiteca are kept
purposely low, and will
barely pay for supplies.
The materials and furniture
were purchased using an
educational fund started by
Activiteca's
founders, one of whom is
the director. The founders
are volunteers with the
Austin-Juticalpa Alianza, a
program connecting the
Catholic diocese of Olancho
with the diocese of Austin,
Texas.
Individuals and schools in
the Austin diocese have
contributed about 20% of
the materials in
Activiteca, and more than
half of the books.
Austinites also donated the
costs of shipping all the
materials to Honduras.
What will happen in the
future?
Ultimately, it is hoped
that Activiteca will serve
as a prototype for other
educational materials
centers in Honduras and
Latin America. However, the
founders and director of
Activiteca need to leave
Honduras by the end of
2006. They wish to pass on
the materials and
operations of the center to
an appropriate
organization, and also
train a new director. Two
options for this exist:
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