The Women in Action for the Needy and Destitute (WAND) Foundation, an NGO made up of professional women dedicated to improving the lives of those in need, has entrusted their archives to UWI St Augustine’s Alma Jordan Library (AJL).
“This generous contribution not only celebrates the preservation of historical treasures but also inspires the broader community to safeguard and share their own pieces of history,” a statement from the St Augustine campus said.
The materials chronicle the work of the organisation for the last 25 years and its acquisition is significant because of its uniqueness and potential for high level research.
“Historical and contemporary resources on women and their role in the development of our society are critical as they illuminate areas which have been understudied or represent unique perspectives,” said the campus statement. “Over the years, WAND has undertaken transformative work and, through their efforts, this valuable addition will enhance the library's extensive collection of rare Caribbean materials, benefiting researchers and society as a whole.”
Mr Frank Soodeen, Campus Librarian, said, “The WAND Special Collection is not only immensely significant due to its distinctive nature, but also serves as a catalyst for in-depth research on NGOs as dynamic agents of positive change.”
He added, “NGOs like WAND, through their staunch dedication, contribute to advancing humanity toward a more equitable, just, and sustainable world.”
WAND board members Mrs Jan Bocas and Mrs Mona Khan expressed their gratitude to The UWI for hosting the collection and making the information accessible to the public.
The AJL’s Special Collections are a separate category of materials within the library’s West Indiana and Special Collections Division. It holds over 172 other distinguished special collections of rare Caribbean materials, some dating back to the 1600s. These collections hold immense historical value and The UWI preserves them in a secure space as well as allows researchers from around the world to access them through their online archives.
To learn more about the Alma Jordan Library, visit https://libraries.sta.uwi.edu/ajl/. To access their online archives, go to https://archivespace.sta.uwi.edu/repositories/2/resources.
