This campaign has now closed
In 2009, we aim to provide at least 49,500 books, at a cost of £2 a book (but worth an estimated £594,000 due to the high value donations we receive from UK publishers) for our partners in Zimbabwe. We respond to partner libraries’ detailed request forms so that the materials they receive are relevant and appropriate to their needs.
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Beneficiaries
Situation
Zimbabwe’s educational achievements are seriously threatened. Schools are badly affected by the shortage of teachers and by lack of books and learning materials. Public libraries have seen their government grants become virtually worthless, due to inflation. Book Aid International has worked in Zimbabwe for a number of years and in 2009, we aim to provide 49,500 books, supporting a range of organisations. We work in partnership with two committees, the Bulawayo Distribution Committee (BDC) and Harare Distribution Committee (HDC), formed of representatives from public libraries, university libraries, Rotary clubs, non governmental organisations and the British Council. The Distribution Committees receive Book Aid International book donations, targeting and distributing them to educational organisations throughout the country. Bulawayo Public Library, which benefits from Book Aid International donated books, has determinedly continued to improve its services. Today, there are seven libraries, two of which are mobile, a membership of around 14,000, and approximately a quarter of a million book loans each year. The mobile service uses a converted bus and services more than 30 primary schools, giving around 3,000 children a fortnightly chance to change their books. The library also offers internet access, with 115,000 users in 2007, and a free Braille book service for blind readers. Books change lives. We need to raise £106,000 to send these books and manage our programme in Zimbabwe in 2009.