FEBRUARY 2003
BOOK AID INTERNATIONAL TRIUMPHS AT THE 'NIBBIES'
Book Aid International's appeal for Ethiopia got off to a fantastic start at the British Book Awards. Donations from the assembled guests reached over £2,000, enough to pay for more than 1500 books to reach readers in Ethiopia.
Book Aid International launched this fundraising appeal following requests from partner organisations for around 50,000 books in 2003. Readers of all ages in schools, libraries, universities and hospitals are eager to obtain the books they need to improve their education and employment prospects.
The fundraising collection at the Nibbies marked the launch of this new appeal to the UK's book trade.
Tim Rix, Book Aid International's Chairman, is backing this appeal. He told us,
"Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world. Right now they desperately need our help to increase educational opportunities and to secure a brighter future for the country's youth. We hope that our friends in the book trade will be able to support this vital work."
Working in Ethiopia
Book Aid International distributes books in Ethiopia through membership organisations that have come into being thanks to a strong self-help ethic among the Ethiopian population. Members contribute a monthly fee varying from seven pence to 30 pounds. And their involvement doesn't stop there as they also take an active role in establishing and running community projects. These vary from improving education and schooling to health care and sanitation projects.
Reader case study: Abate's story
Abate is a primary school student who helps out at the Hurumu Reading room in Ethiopia:
ÃÂYou know, because of these books I got an award from my school 'Almaz Bom Primary School', because I came first in all subjects. It is not by mystery or miracle but because of these books. Our reading room attendant Felekech nominated me among so many students to be her assistant. I like that nomination because I became so close to these life-changing books. Now I know about books. They help people. In my spare time, you will find me inside this rural reading room.ÃÂ
For more information please call Book Aid International on 020 7733 3577.