This campaign has now closed
In 2009, we aim to provide at least 32,000 books, at a cost of £2 a book (but worth an estimated £386,000 due to the high value donations we receive from UK publishers) for our partners in Eritrea. We respond to partner libraries’ detailed request forms so that the materials they receive are relevant and appropriate to their needs.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
Since independence from Ethiopia in 1993, Eritrea has faced the economic problems of a small, desperately poor country dependent on subsistence agriculture. Around 80% of the population is involved in farming and herding and Eritrea's economic future depends upon its ability to combat illiteracy and low skills. Library and information services are essential to help meet development goals and, despite a lack of funds, librarians are finding low cost ways to make libraries centres for lifelong learning. We support library development which is driven by local communities. Two new community libraries are being established in rural areas in Eritrea. These will target school students primarily, but will also be open to and share resources with the wider community. Books change lives. We need to raise £70,000 to provide these books and manage our programme in Eritrea in 2009.