IT SNOWED IN LESOTHO ON 4th JUNE, EVEN IN MASERU
The image shows one of my friends in Maseru, Paballo, fending off the cold of the first snow for the year. Maseru reminds me of Mt Lofty, “behind” Adelaide, where it sometimes snows, but it does not hang around for very long. The high country of Lesotho is like the Australian Alps – it can have (and needs to have) heaps of snow each winter.
LATEST SHIPMENT TO LESOTHO
On 26 June 2024, the 27th shipment of books left The Barn in Adelaide bound for the Rotary Club of Mantsopa in Maseru, Lesotho. It was the 3rd shipment to that club and comprised 3 pallets loaded with 7,190 books.
The total number of books you have helped us send is now over 316,000.
The latest count shows the three B4L partners in Lesotho have distributed the books to:
- 2 preschools
- 88 romary schools
- 103 secondary schools
- 43 instititions or community libraries
HOW HAVE YOU HELPED ACHIEVE THIS YEAR’S RESULT?
Many of you have made or facilitated book donations – at times we have been bulging at the seams in our small space at The Barn. Thank you.
Many of you have supported B4L through encouragement and sharing the story with others. Thank you.
Others have generously supported the project financially such that we raised sufficient funds to cover our expenses over 2023/24 sending 14 pallets of books to Lesotho. Thank you.
You might note that the costs for one shipment this year were well below expectation. However, the more recent shipments have experienced ever increasing charges.
Typical of the support B4L receives comes from The Lions Club of Angaston and District who donate $s and books from their Book Shed: Here is a recent email:
Hi David – I checked our past minutes and realised that we had (approved) a payment for $500 back in January but it never got transferred. So, at last Monday’s meeting, (we) upped it to a grand. Members supported the motion unanimously. As Lions’ Clubs are (part of) an International body, we are encouraged to support a global/overseas project annually and your cause fits the bill just so well. You do such as great job.
I do have another seven or eight cartons (of books) which I will endeavour to deliver in the next few weeks.
Keep up the great work,
Chris
The huge support from our friends in Lesotho continues giving us every reason to continue the work!
I’ve also been sent a copy of the LESIBA newsletter issued by Rotary Club of Maloti which had news of the visit Liz and I made in March 2024. I have reproduced 2 of the pages. The Morija Theological Seminary is featured. B4L facilitated sending 3 pallets of theological books to supplement their library. The cost was covered through donations made outside of the normal B4L fundraising. The library now looks impressive and the staff are obviously very appreciative of the results. They were also very welcoming and lovely people (as we find everywhere).
HOW HAVE YOU HELPED ACHIEVE THIS YEAR’S RESULT? HERE WAS A HUGE BOOST?
Recently I received a message that blew me off my chair. When I shared the news with members of the B4L Board and the volunteers, one of them, Hank, responded with an email. I thought this was the best way to acknowledge the support from the Lang Foundation (even though others are mentioned too). This donation has not been included in the year’s “normal” donation list, as it is one of an occasional donation from that source and the B4L Board has kept the monies aside for special needs and/or to cover annual deficits. Hank wrote:
Grateful for The Lang Foundation’s Generosity
Hi David and Liz,
We’ve received a $20,000 donation from The Lang Foundation!
I couldn’t believe it when I read the email. What an incredible surprise and a huge boost for Books for Lesotho!
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for all the hard work the two of you put into making these connections and fostering these partnerships. Your dedication makes moments like this possible, and I’m truly grateful to be a part of such an amazing team.
This donation will make such a difference in the lives of people in Lesotho. It’s heartwarming to see how our efforts are being recognized and supported by organizations like The Lang Foundation.
Once again, thank you, David, Liz, and the Board for everything you do. Your commitment is truly inspiring.
Hank
HERE IS AN ASIDE TO SHOW ANOTHER SIDE OF THE AMAZING PEOPLE OF LESOTHO
LIFEL Tebello Ramakogoana uses patient approach to win Bloomsday men’s elite title
| The Spokesman-Review. Please try the link:
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/may/05/tebello-ramakogoana-uses-patient-approach-to-win-b/
Put his name Tebello Ramakogoana in a search engine for more information!
A BIG THANK YOU AT THE END OF A VERY SUCCESSFUL 2023/34
I know the above reports warm your hearts (needed at this time of year) and let you know what good work we are all doing for this wonderful country, the “Kingdom in the Sky”.
Thank you to everyone who supports this “nation building” project through donations of books, money and “in-kind”.
The 2024/25 budget cycle is now underway. Donating is easy – see the end of this newsletter
David Linn
Chairman, Books for Lesotho Inc.