McKenna Elsasser said she's not sure what it's going to be like camping out in Laurentian University's J.N. Desmarais Library for a week, but she's willing to stick it out.
“Apparently the lights don't go off, and there's a buzzing noise you hear,” Elsasser, a third year biology student, said.
“You don't really get a lot of sleep. But I'm excited to be locked into the library at night, surrounded by all of those books. I think I might dance through the book aisles, and look at all I can.”
Elsasser, along with third-year environmental science student Destiny Roy, is living and sleeping at the library from Jan. 20-26 as part of Live-in for Literacy.
Live-in for Literacy is a student fundraising initiative which promotes the importance of literacy and raises money to build educational facilities in developing countries.
This year, students participating in the project hope to raise $27,000 to build six school libraries in India through the organization Room to Read. Roy and Elasser aim to raise $4,000 of that total by themselves.
Students at Laurentian's Georgian campus, as well as at Queen's University, McMaster University, Memorial University, Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Ottawa, the University of Toronto and York University are also participating in the event.
This is the third year in a row Laurentian students have participated in Live-in for Literacy. Elsasser and Roy were recruited by last year's participants.
During the day, the students have their tent set up just outside of the library, and with the help of volunteers, are selling candy kabobs and raffle tickets for items donated by local businesses.
“There's been an outpouring of support so far,” Elsasser said. “We'll see as the week goes on if we can reach our goal.”
She said most of their teachers have been understanding, and are letting them miss class for the cause.
Other volunteers fill in for them in case there's anything they just can't miss. Roy was out at a medical appointment when Northern Life showed up at their campsite.
While she expects their week in the library to be a lot of fun, Elsasser hasn't lost sight of what they're raising money for.
Although India has an emerging economy, it still has high rates of illiteracy, she said.
“If we were able to help bring them literacy, we would be able to help them get out of poverty,” Elsasser said. “Education is key.”
Fourth-year sociology students Laurie Sanders and Rumbi Mujiri bought candy kebobs from the stand next to the students' tent.
Sanders said they wanted to help out, because as sociology students, they understand the importance of helping out those who are less privileged.
Mujiri said she doesn't think she'd enjoy living in the library for a week.
“I don't like being in school,” she said. “Me being here every day drives me crazy. I give them props. I wouldn't be able to do that.”
Anyone who would like to contribute to the fundraiser is asked to contact the Laurentian University Students' General Association at 705-673-6547 or drop by the students' tent during the day.
More information about Live-in for Literacy is available by visiting www.liveinforliteracy.com.
Posted by Jenny Jelen
