These beautiful children in the village of Ho in Ghana West Africa, wearing their government issued uniforms, have no books. My daughter Whitney taught them for 3 months this spring and I had the privilege of visiting for a week.
They hope and pray for a library some day. The hope is made physical by a foundation of 4 cement blocks piled up to indicate where the library would be built. The children brought me there and together we imagined what it would be like full of books.
Whitney's life will never be the same after spending time with the beautiful people of Ghana. She is touched by their gentle spirits and kindness. The purity that pours through the eyes of these children filled my soul and touched me deeply. Whitney said, "You know Mom people seem to think they are going to Africa to help but they are the ones who are healed."
The lovely man who helped run Prince of Peace School called himself Whitney's grandfather and he showed her great kindness. He has agreed to collect any books we can send his way and make sure the children get them. There is a great deal of corruption with the postal system in West Africa but we have discovered that no taxes will be leveled upon the school when they pick up boxes of books.
So, if you can gather together some children's books in good condition and send them to be a part of this school's library you will be included in their web of light. The school goes from preschool to our equivalent of high school. They need books in English.
Send any books to Mr. Kofi at the address below and simply tell him you are Whitney's friend...:
I will report back, if you would like, on stories from Ho. And, you are welcome to read Whitney's blog from her time there.
We are both, Whitney and I, hoping to return to Ho someday soon.
Blessings and light from my heart to yours,
Mimi Doe
p.s. Next time you read a beautiful picture book to your young child, bless it and think of how lucky we are to have access to thousands of books in our rich public libraries.
Whitney and her class:
I joined clubmom today and came across your blog ... I have shared the African school mailing information on my own blog in hopes that it might bring an extra book or 2 their way.
Bright blessings
Kelly
Posted by: Mama Kelly | 06/29/2006 at 11:00 PM
Hi Mimi:
Thanks so much for posting this! My son and I have had a "time-to-give-away-some-books" project going on for quite some time. Now we know just who is waiting for the bin of books we have been gathering from his large collection.
I feel I was led to this post. I'm so excited to share our books this way.
Thank you! Thank you!
I will also post about this to help spread the word.
Hugs,
Penny
Posted by: Penny | 07/04/2006 at 01:19 AM
Dear Penny and kelly,
Can you believe it...your books have finally arrived! We received word from the school in Ho and the books are there. The letter was a bit disjointed...but we know books got there and are in kid's hands.
These are, belive me, the ONLY books at the school.
So, please tell your children...and those you asked to send books...
What joy you are causing for many children in Africa today.
Blessings,
Mimi
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Posted by: abe | 08/02/2008 at 05:14 PM
Books for Africa, established in 1988, aims to end African book famine by promoting literacy and empowerment to educators, parents and administrators. The organization depends on book and school supply donations from schools, associations and individuals. Volunteers sort and ship donations to several countries on the continent. Donations go directly to adults and children in need. Many Africans may never own books of their own, states BFA, and the group aims to give them hope.
Read more: How to Donate Books for Africa | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5993016_donate-books-africa.
Posted by: abe | 11/08/2010 at 07:08 PM