Mission
The Africa Book Project provides educational resources to schools and libraries in Africa to assist children to reach their fullest potential. Our work is based on the belief that every child is filled with infinite possibility. By providing educational resources and opportunities, we help these children fulfill their potential and therefore break free from poverty.
Programs
Each year we collect new and used books from schools, libraries and individuals and send them to schools in Africa. We are currently raising funds and books for schools in Kenya and Ethiopia.
History
In 2002, Jodi Facette attended a wedding in Mombasa, Kenya. As part of her trip, she traveled around the countryside and visited schools. She was appalled at the state of the schools. Schools were cramped and overflowing with children eager to learn. The teachers had very little educational resources available to them and made do with what was available. Text books were scarce as were reading books. Jodi wondered how these teachers and children managed each day.
When she returned home, she was determined to help the children. Based on input provided by the teachers, Jodi came up with the idea to collect used books and ship them to schools in Kenya. Her mother had been a librarian for a number of years and helped her formulate her plan. She began contacting schools and individuals in Calgary and soon had enough books to fill an entire 20 foot container!
Initially eight schools were selected to receive the books. These were some of the schools that Jodi had visited on her first trip. The books and other supplies were received with great jubilation. We have continued to send supplies to the initial eight schools and receive requests from other schools for support.
Each year we send at least 1 20 foot container of books. We are expanding into Ethiopia soon in partnership with another organization!
About
- Website
- www.africabookproject.org
- Location
- Calgary, Canada
- Basic Info
