SEPTEMBER 2002
HARRY POTTER (AND FRIENDS) GO TO AFRICA
A special donation of 40,000 books is on its way to children in Africa this week. Major book shortages in many African countries are badly damaging educational prospects. Book Aid International is delighted that A&C Black and Bloomsbury have made this generous donation that will do so much to help young readers.
Among the many books donated are copies of the ever-popular Harry Potter books, which are sure to be a big hit. A large number of illustrated books for younger readers are also included. A&C Black are providing copies of their Teddybear series by Susanna Gretz and Alison Sage (which recently had it's own ITV television series). Black's will also donate books from their fantastic Rockets, Jets and Graffix series, and some of the unforgettable Moomins titles. These books will brighten up school and public library shelves in Africa, which are all too often either empty or filled with old, worn and tatty books, that are unlikely to tempt young readers.
The difference that a book can make cannot be expressed better than by a young reader who wrote to tell Book Aid International,
"I send my letter to you to make you know how happy I am to read your book 'Great Football Stories'. I like football very much. So reading this book, I was very happy to know a lot about it. Even though I can't speak English very well, I want to improve it by reading English books. So, I wonder if you can send more books to our school."
In fact books are vital to combat poverty and to improve education in the developing world. The nineteen countries in which Book Aid International works in sub-Saharan Africa share high levels of poverty but also a commitment to broadening education access for their young people. We believe that one of the best ways to nurture a vibrant reading culture is to give children a choice of interesting books. This love of reading will be carried through to their adult life.
Compared to just a few years ago Ugandan children have vastly improved educational opportunities - a Universal Primary Education policy has resulted in a leap in primary school enrolment from 2.8 million in 1997 to 6 million in 2002, and funding for schools is a top priority area for government. However, a 2001 survey of students in the capital city, Kampala, revealed that only 10% of school children can read accurately, and that many do not have access to books (Reported in the 'New Vision', Uganda, 7 September 2001 www.newvision.co.ug).
Book Aid International is working with Uganda Public Library Board to try and turn this situation around. Book Aid International books are distributed through their networks to schools and libraries throughout the country. And special projects, such as reading promotion activities during National Book Week, are being run to encourage children's interest in reading. Children's events including storytelling, writing, painting, competitions and games.