Book Aid International

About the charity

Why books?

In sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated that 162 million people are still functionally illiterate, and books are priced far beyond the means of the majority. At Book Aid International we know that books change lives. Books help foster and maintain literacy but they also do much more than this. They provide information that enables people to deal with practical problems of everyday life, like fixing cars, delivering babies, improving agricultural practices or understanding HIV/AIDS. Books provide information which can help people to understand the way their society operates and how it can be developed. They provide an insight into other people and places, stimulating the imagination and offering alternative visions and possibilities for the future.

“Knowledge is the key to independent living, the key to all my hopes and aspirations. Always read as many books as you can. They have really helped me to be where I am today…and nothing on earth will keep me from being successful in whatever I choose to do.”
Chilufya Shikundu, Munali Girls High School, Zambia

What does Book Aid International do?

Each year, Book Aid International sends around 500,000 brand new books to sub-Saharan Africa. We work closely with partners such as national library services, universities and local NGOs to ensure that the books we send meet the needs of the people, and that they reach those that need them the most. Our books are sent to libraries in communities, schools and universities, cities, villages, refugee camps, prisons and slums helping even the most vulnerable such as refugees, women and rural dwellers, gain access to the information that they need.

Libraries offer a lifeline for communities where books are priced well beyond the means of many. As well as providing access to books and the huge wealth of information and inspiration, they are safe places to study, meet, share ideas, take part in workshops and learn new skills:

“Before the library was built I would have problems doing my homework because our house had no electricity. At that time I was poor in my English because I didn’t have any storybooks or novels to read. After it was opened I was as happy as a king because I had a place to do my homework and read storybooks.

The community has benefitted through the opening of this library. You could see street urchins hanging around doing nothing. But nowadays they come to read in the library because it does not charge a fee.”
Peter, aged 12, member of Mathare North Community Library, Nairobi

By supporting libraries through book donations and improvement projects, Book Aid International is providing community resources that will continue to change lives for years to come.