DO YOU DOUBT THE IMPORTANCE OF READING?
I am sure there are no readers of this newsletter who have any doubt that reading is important, from the first books you share with your baby to the books older people read because they now have more time to do so (well, some of us find the time!).
In the Weeekend Australian (a national weekend newspaper in Australia) on 20/21 July 2024, Joy Lawn reported on children’s author, Pamela Allen, who at 90 years old is still producing “delightful books for kids”. Lawn reported that the author is still active, conducting mini-master classes on “how to do the most important thing an adult can ever do with a child: engage them in reading”.
To quote further: “”There are two people sharing the book: you, the actor, and the child, the audience”, she says. “Depending on the age of the child, the first thing they can comprehend is your voice – the music and the rhythm. The next is the pictures, and lastly the words. If you’re reading to a small child, please use your voice, the drama of your voice…bark, cock-a-doodle-doo, be angry, be happy – it’s theatre.””
The article continues, “She reiterates that because young children can’t read, the adult must play an active role in introducing books to them…Allen’s stories invite interaction. Children become part of the drama and adventure, swept up by the rhythmic storytelling and joining in with the sound effects (from the characters, such as bears, ducks and other animals, and Mr McGee who is “a clown-like adult with the spirit of a child).”
There is the guidance for those of us who have the responsibility and the honour of introducing books to children of any age, but especially the very young.
THANKS TO RECENT DONOR-SUPPLIERS
Jurlique of Mount Barker, South Australia
Supplier of used plastic pallets (B4L must use plastic as it is a requirement for shipments going through the Port of Singapore)
Preschem Pty Ltd of Cheltenham, Victoria
Donated over 2 years supply of cartons, …… https://preschem.com/
Also from Preschem, a year’s supply of labels, one for each carton
Three Sun Possums – sponsors of one pallet/year
https://www.threesunpossums.com.au
Generous donor in support of freight costs
“THE HUB” AT MORIJA, LESOTHO
“The Hub” is an expanding community resource centre, especially intended for young people. The Hub recently received books from B4L to place in the new container-based library.
There is more at the end of the newsletter!
SUCCESS AT THE RECENT OLYMPIC GAMES – Information at the end of the newsletter.
FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR 2023/24
The donation income and “other” income was $22,440.69
Expenses were $20,552.17 (under the budgeted amount of $22,353)
The result was a small surplus of $1,888.52 which was mainly achieved as the cost of one shipment was unexpectedly low. Thank you all who gave privately or through clubs, organisations or businesses
Additional income was $20,000 from Lang Family Foundation
BUDGET FOR 2024/25
The B4L Board has adopted a budget for 2024/25 of $26,698 (much higher than for 2023/24 – what a challenge)
INCREASED COSTS
The average shipping cost per pallet was well under $1000 in 2019. The most recent shipment averaged $1,612 (with the budget for 2024/25 allowing $1,970/pallet).
A BIG THANK YOU AT THE END OF A VERY SUCCESSFUL 2023/24
Thank you to everyone who supported this “nation building” project through donations of books, money and “in-kind” during 2023/24. The reports from Lesotho continue to show the good work we are all doing for this wonderful country, the “Kingdom in the Sky”.
Who has delivered books since March this year?
East Adelaide Primary School, Bookshed, Glenside Lions Bookmart, Mitcham Motor Garage (from several sources), Rotary Club of Blackwood, Rosary School at Prospect, Prospect PS, Red Geranium Opp Shop (supporting Medecins Sans Frontieres – Doctors Without Borders), Woodend PS, Adelaide Hills Library Service, St Ignatius College, Mitcham Library Service, Roma Mitchell Secondary College, Clapham PS. Brighton Secondary College, Oxfam Bookshop, East Adelaide PS, Immanuel College and several private donations. We thank you ALL! (I’m sorry if I missed someone!)
NEEDED – DONATIONS OF BOOKS AND $s
We are urgently looking for books, especially fiction suitable for ages 11 to 14
Donating dollars is easy – see the end of this newsletter
David Linn
Chairman, Books for Lesotho Inc.
TO DONATE
There are three ways to donate – each one will produce a receipt for Australian tax purposes.
- The easy way for you and B4L is to donate through GiveNow.
This is a secure online donation service: CLICK here
- Another easy way for both parties is through PayPal:
Click HERE to visit our PayPal Giving Fund page
A PayPal account is not required to use this service.
- Send a donation directly to our bank account:
Account Name: BOOKS FOR LESOTHO INCORPORATED
BSB: 035-044 Account No: 228285If you donate directly, and want a receipt, you MUST send an email to B4L with your details, the date and amount deposited.
| Athlete | Event | Final | |
| Result | Rank | ||
| Tebello Ramakongoana | Men’s marathon | 2:07:58 | 7 NR |
| Mokulubete Blandina Makatisi | Women’s marathon | 1:28.05 | 35 |
NR= National record!!
| Michelle Tau | Women’s −49 kg | Did not advance |