What did we ever do without it?!
Sahel has a WONDERFUL new addition to its campus, a beautiful building called the Media Center. This building project went on for over a year, and it was with much joy that it was dedicated on the first day of school this year.
After many delays of building materials being out of stock and a change over of building supervisors, the end result is very worth the wait! In looking back over our progression of photos, we are especially amazed at all the finishing touches that happened during the summer months. At the end of school in June, the roof was on but the inside still had a lot of work left to do. We were extremely blessed to have Seku and Lasso, carpenter friends of ours from Cote d’Ivoire, willing to come to Niamey for three months during which they worked solidly doing all the carpentry. 
They did an amazing job and built all the book shelves, computer desks, librarian’s office furniture, circulation desk, table tops, magazine display shelves, desks and cupboards in the computer lab, and many other smaller projects. They set up shop right in the building so things could be made to fit perfectly. At the end of July we had a celebration dinner with all the African workers who had a part in the construction. It was wonderful to have Jonathan Moore back since he started the construction, and also Chad Winsor who took the project on to completion. It was a fun time of celebration of work well done and also praise to God for the safety He gave with no injuries during all the hours of work!
Many of you remember the old library tucked away (“So far away!”) on the other side of campus. This new library is four times the size of the old one, so there is a feeling of spaciousness and freshness. There is a large sitting area where the students can relax with a good book and many tables to sit at to do studying or research. The kids section has a nice rug with pillows to plop on for a fun story time. The shelves are full of books and there is room for more! On one wall we have three computers available for research or accessing the library card catalog. On one end of the building is our new computer lab, complete with its isolated server room, work tables full of computers, and an improved internet connection. Both elementary and secondary classes sign up to use the computer lab, and at any time of the day, the lab may be full of students.
The other side of the building has a teachers’ resource room where the teachers’ helps are kept. There is also a conference room with a long table which is used for special meetings or small classes. Out in front of the Media Center is a paved area which is great for pulling up a chair in the shade to study or visit with friends. We have one beautiful iron table and chairs set which was a gift from the Class of ’08 and we hope to add some more as funds are collected. All in all, it has been a wonderful new addition to our campus and student life. ~Cathy Bliss