Bring a Book challenge
Employees from six UK corporations recently took part in a 'Bring a Book to Work' challenge organised by Book Aid International. This practical project provided much-needed support for libraries in the developing world. 11,500 books were donated and a contribution from each of the companies met the costs of getting these books overseas.
There are overwhelming book shortages in many sub-Saharan African countries and this is where the vast majority of the 11,500 books will go. Book Aid International has forged links with many publishers in the UK but is unable to obtain enough books in certain subject areas, such as reference and vocational books. This project has helped to fill that gap area and has proved tremendously popular with the employees of Clifford Chance, Standard Chartered, Pearson, Reed Elsevier, De Beers Diamond Trading Company and the Economist Group.
The project was so popular with Clifford Chance employees that several overseas offices asked to get involved. Senior Partner Stuart Popham spearheaded the project and told us,
"I am delighted that Book Aid's donation scheme has caught the imagination of our offices worldwide. It's a very deserving cause, and one where a small gesture can have a big impact on someone in Africa's life.”
Book Aid International's Head of Fundraising, Kate Mulkern, also hailed the project as a success, “We've been really delighted by the response - these are exactly the kinds of books that our partner organisations need. Several of our partners in sub-Saharan Africa are working hard to realise their goal of having attractive, well-stocked libraries that are an educational resource for the local community. This project helps to take us one important step closer to that goal.”
Editor's Notes:
Book Aid International requested that employees make donations of fiction, vocational (including legal) and reference books in 'good as new' condition to help support their work in the developing world. The charity works in response to requests from partner organisations who outline in detail the subject and level of the books they need.
Books are vital to education and self-improvement. But huge book shortages are impeding learning opportunities for students and readers in the developing world. Book Aid International supplies books to meet readers' needs and works to strengthen the local book trade so that there can be a long term solution to the crisis in local book provision.