Books for Batanes Public Schools

Batanes Cultural Society Project Update (October 16, 2001): A total of 6,740 books have been shipped to Batanes. Check the complete list/inventory of the books (559kb word document) or a photo (93kb jpeg) of the books while being packed.

Its not unusual that Ivatans and "Ivatans at heart" living outside Batanes have been increasingly interested in helping the people of Batanes.

Jon von Kessel, husband of former school teacher Nelly Fagar Caronilla of Mahatao is an example of an outstanding individual who's been actively seeking ways to help the Ivatan community. Currently, his non profit organization known as "The Batanes Cultural Society" has been working with Ivatans abroad in coordination with the Batanes Division Superintendent to acquire books and build-up a library system which will be equitably distributed and managed by the schools themselves. These books will be available to the public as well.

Likewise, Jon von Kessel is also exploring the idea of organizing another separate non-profit organization which for now known as "Global Ivatans United (GIU)". It is planned to have its own regional officers and probably a fee-based organization. Jon von Kessel and Dennis Barcelona of Germany (Barcelona.meldorf@t-online.de) have successfully managed to create an Ivatan Directory which will be the source of the organization's initial members.

Be part of it. To know more about his projects, you may reach him at:

Jon von Kessel, President and Director Batanes Cultural Society 1645 Ala Wai, Suite 1304 Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 Phone: (808) 947-3108 Fax: (808) 947-2197 E-mail: JonvK@att.net • Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of Batanes Cultural Society

	Master Inventory of All Books for Batanes Library System - as of October 16, 2001 (559kb MS Word document)
	Mr. Jon von Kessel answers your frequently asked questions
	Copy of Mr. von Kessel's on-going solicitation - March 2001