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History – why ososo?

In 2009, Merry Hearts organization discovered the Ososo Community in Nigeria.
The initial goal of the organization was to give out scholarships in December, 2009 to selected primary/secondary school students.
Upon finding out more about the community, we learned that despite the fact that the community has over 35,000 inhabitants, there is currently no library accessible to students within this community.
This discovery and more is the inspiration behind this project. We strongly believe that literacy can be improved in Nigeria, one community at a time!

Where is ososo?

Ososo is one of the major communities that constitute Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria.
Ososo community is located in the northern part of Edo State.
Ososo has an estimated population figure of over 35,000 inhabitiants.
The literacy level is also estimated to be between 60-65%
Ososo is among the three chosen Tourist Centers in Edo State.

EDUCATION IN OSOSO

Presently there are about sixteen primary schools in Ososo with 2,786 students as of July, 2009.
There are six secondary schools with a student population of 1,591 as of July, 2009.
There are also institutions of higher learning that are just a distance away from Ososo. Such institutions as Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma, Auchi Polytechnic and the Federal College of Education Okene.

WHY A LIBRARY?

The accessibility of the town, the good communication network, the social amenities in place are key to the citing of a library project.
A library in Ososo will go a long way to boost the educational empowerment of the people and will be fully utilized.
Indigenes of Ososo who are students of higher institutions within the country will find the library very useful.
Ososo community residents craze for education and building a library project will boost the literacy level of the community.
The library project will allow primary and secondary school students the ability to access information that will enrich their current studies.

OUR APPROACH

In July of 2009, a feasibility study was done in Ososo to determine the need for the library.
In July 2009, after feasibility study was completed, we proceeded to have an architect design a plan for the proposed library.
Our goal is to develop the budget for building and equipping the library.
In December 2009, we plan to create awareness and raise funds for the first phase of the library project.
The foundation will focus on raising funds in the U.S and reaching out to organizations for book donations, computers, and other library equipments starting January of 2010.
The community leaders have pledged to provide the land where the library will be developed on for the community.
We will be updating our website with additional information about the library and how you can be a part of our vision.

If you are interested in seeing the complete feasibility study or architectural plan please contact us at info@merryhearts.org