Bringing Books to Africa

Last August, I received a large donation of educational supplies from an educational distributor.  In nothing more than pure faith, I kept a crate full of K-2 leveled reading books in the hope that I could someday pass them out to African children.

Exactly 11 months since I got them, I will be passing out books to precious Ugandan children.  My plans include visiting schools as well.  I will pass them out to individual children and add some to classroom libraries.  I will be like a pack mule of sorts, carrying these books in a backpack from place to place. 

I will be the Santa of literacy, bringing smiles to eager minds. 

Some may say, "How can a few books make any difference to such a great need?"  My answer to them would be - When you have nothing, SOMETHING is everything. 

These are the books that will reach African children.  Do me a favor - take a long look at the books and say a little prayer for the ones who will receive them.  That is the SOMETHING I am asking of you - To me, it would mean everything!

Comments

[Maya]

Wow! I am sure the smiles these books will bring to the kids faces will be *THISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSss* big!
Good luck! Waiting to read about what happens when you finally meet the kids.

[Laura Hecht]

Maya,
I can see the smiles myself as well. Even though I am more than two months out from leaving for Africa, my excitement grows daily. I will absolutely be blogging about all the aspects of my trip. Thanks for visiting and commenting. These books I hope will incite young minds to grow in both literacy and a love of reading.

Laura

[Tsutsu]

nice i found out this page well i used one of your pictures on my page http://childrensmouth.synthasite.com/ , am trying to bring up a foundation for children and well i think you are also doing great helping us Africans thanks

[Laura Hecht]

Tsutsu,
That picture of the African children looking up in amazement and laughter is one of my all-time favorite pics. I am glad you could use it for your cause. I am so glad you found me. Checked out your site as well. It takes many minds and hearts to make an impactful difference in such a hurting work. Let's stay connected and see what we can do together.

Laura

[Kathy Shields]

Hi Laura,
I am amazed at what you are doing and would love to get some advice on how to send books to Uganda as i have contacts in two needy schools over there. I teach 3rd grade in an elementary school in Georgia and our year just ended. We all cleaned out and through away loads of materials that would be used by less fortunate schools. I would like to find a way to save these items and ship them or I suppose take them if I raise travel funds. It is VERY costly to ship anything to Uganda and then they have to pay an import tax. I wish you well on your journey bringing the light of love, compassion and education across the globe!