BOOKS FOR GAMBIA

In Africa's smallest country, The Gambia, literacy rates hover around 40%.  Libraries, in almost every village, are nonexistent.  I know – because I've lived and taught there.

1 Million Books for Gambia is a project that will tip the scales by getting good books into the hands of children and adults. What will be given to Gambians by donating books and building libraries are things that can never be taken away:  ideas and opportunities.

In Feb-Mar. 2012, I traveled once again to my home-away-from-home in Africa! You can see my post all about my fifth trip to Gambia here. 

For this trip, I joined forces with two organizations - Hand in Health and Books for Africa.  We set up six libraries in local schools and one in a women's empowerment center in Njau, Gambia and delivered books to more than 30 schools in three regions of the country. The books (and bucks) were generously donated by American individuals, schools, and companies—many of them you, my blog readers! (Thank you!!)  My volunteer tasks included transporting, shelving, and organizing the shipment of 22,000 books.

This project is ongoing. So far in late 2012 and 2013 our efforts locally have raised enough to build another two or three libraries! And, if you can't donate bucks, you can always donate books.  More information about sending books to the warehouse is posted here or by visiting the Books for Africa websites.  You can also donate bucks directly to Books for Africa - and please choose to donate to our project through their specific link page to funding for 1 Million Books for Africa!

Here's what a little donation can do:

NOTE: Books For Africa has moved their MN warehouse:

We have moved!!

As of MARCH 1, 2013 we will no longer be located at 715 E. Minnehaha Ave. St. Paul, MN 55106

If you plan to deliver books, please come visit us at our new warehouse location to drop them off!
635 Prior Ave. N Suite 100 St. Paul, MN 55104

Click here to see where we are on Google Maps or to get directions.