Education Banks

Everyone is both a teacher and a learner. And displaced people often have a lot of time on their hands. What a wonderful opportunity to get ahead in your grade or learn a new trade.

An Education Bank works just like a job bank except that you are trading what you know instead of dollar value. Each resident registers what he or she is willing to teach. Each person also lists what he or she wants to learn. Whenever there is a match residents can set up their own exchange. If a village needs an elementary teacher or an accountant, it may have to reach out into the surrounding community to find one.

Among the donated items we are looking for are internet connections and any computer that can connect to them - no matter how slowly. There is a wealth of free educational material available on the web. So, even if a village doesn't have text books or certified teachers, everyone can learn.

Many good-hearted people want to help refugees but can't personally get where they are needed. They can volunteer their time as on-line coaches and teachers. Need to get that GED? Always wanted to study astronomy? Maybe you can get something back for all the trouble this hurricane has caused. While you're at a Katrina Village you might even learn the carpentry and wiring you'll need to repair your house when the water is gone!