Micronesia RPCVs Neil Mellen and Tom Lutte helped found Habele to sponsor students and organize book donations



Each community school in the Outer Islands has its own small public library. The development of this system was a major aim of the Trust Territory, and in recent years the mission has been carried forward by US Peace Corps Volunteers. These small collections of books serve as the only source of reading material for readers living on remote and isolated atolls.

Micronesia RPCVs Neil Mellen and Tom Lutte helped found Habele to sponsor students and organize book donations

Each community school in the Outer Islands has its own small public library. The development of this system was a major aim of the Trust Territory, and in recent years the mission has been carried forward by US Peace Corps Volunteers. These small collections of books serve as the only source of reading material for readers living on remote and isolated atolls.

In order to sustain and expand these libraries, Habele supplies local teachers and librarians with regular book donations and school supplies.

In addition to purchasing and mailing materials for the Outer Island schools, Habele also serves to direct and deliver the donations of other groups and individuals. The Fund regularly employs the cash gifts of our donors to covering the mailing costs of donations such as books, pens, tote bags, t-shirts, and pencils.

Support for Asor and Falalop Elementary School libraries began as the project of Habele's founders during their Peace Corps service. Since that time the effort had reached east to the Atoll of Eauripik. Habele continues to provide material assistance, primarily books and basic school supplies, working with the local teachers and volunteers. Contributions are also sent directly from friends of Habele. Partnerships with service organizations such as Girl Scouts Troops and Rotary Chapters complement the smaller donations of families and individuals. Habele also partners with classroom teachers and library support groups located in the US.

Details of our 2006 progress and donations can be found below, as well as in our Annual Report in the "Downloads" section.

2006 Accomplishments

Independent School Tuition Assistance – 2 Scholarships
Full Tuition & Fees, Bethania High School, Republic of Palau

Public School Materials – 5 Shipments of donated/purchased school supplies and clothing

Organizational Milestones – Not For Profit Corporation Established, State of South Carolina, May 2006; Employer Identification Number Assigned, United States Treasury, May 2006; and Tax Exempt Status Granted, U.S. Internal Revenue Service, September 2006

Media/Internet Presence – Habele Website Established, May 2006; Habele Blog Established, May 2006; Habele Myspace Established, May 2006

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Headlines: December, 2007; Peace Corps Micronesia; Directory of Micronesia RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Micronesia RPCVs; Service; Libraries; NGO's