IMPORTANT CHANGES AT BOOKS FOR LESOTHO INC. (B4L) BOARD LEVEL

At the B4L AGM in November 2025, your newsletter editor relinquished the position of Foundation Chairman of the B4L Board of Directors. I’ll not canvas the history here, rather anyone wanting the up-to-date history of B4L should request it through enquiries@booksforlesotho.org. Foundation Director, Peter Murchland, was elected by the Board as my replacement. These actions are part of changes the board planned from early 2025.

Another signicant change came about when Foundation Board Direcor and Treasurer, Wayne Turner, did not re-nominate. Wayne has been been a strength to B4L over the years, and he will be greatly missed. Wednesday volunteer at The Barn , Rob Langley, announced his resignation as a Director.Thanks Rob for your time on the Board. We look forward to your continuing contribution, with Julie, at The Barn. A new Director, Mrs Agnes Sroka-Kukucz has been appointed to the Board whereupon she accepted the position of Treasurer. Welcome, Agnes, to this “Nation-Building Project”*    *so designated by our colleagues in Lesotho.

IMPORTANT VISIT TO LESOTHO BY B4L REPRESENTATIVES

During November, 3 Directors of B4L, David and Liz Linn and Peter Murchland together with Peter’s wife, Alice, made a short visit to Lesotho. The visit followed planning work the B4L Board undertook during the year. The first task in-country was to review operations with the 3 B4L partners and also with a leading light in literacy in Lesotho, Ms Monica Letsoha. The culmination of the visit was to discuss, during a “plenary session”, ideas such as those in the following list: School selection, Book distribution, Supporting infrastructure (bookshelves and systems), Library management training and Program evaluation

B4L invited representatives from a wide range of NGOs to the session, NGOs that we thought would help B4L check the veracity of the topics raised, and, more importantly, help carry concrete ideas forward within Lesotho. The B4L representatives were “blown away” by the interaction and responses on the day. Most importantly, most of the attendees agreed to join a WhatsApp group which will be hosted by B4L partner, Transformation Resource Centre. The WhatsApp group is intended to be the catalyst for action on the agreed opportunities to improve literacy in Lesotho through schools. 

Images above, left to right: Some attendees at the plenary session; David being decorated with a traditional Lesotho blanket; Liz receiving a beautiful stole. (These presentations were made in recognition of the contribution David and Liz have made to improving literacy in Lesotho in the years since 2006.)

Images below; left to right: Alice and Peter being welcomed by members of Rotary; with their gifts; attendees at the plenary session at the following social event. Acknowledgement for images: provided by Monica Lesoha.  

BIG THINGS HAPPEN IN SMALL SPACES

After the events in Maseru, the B4L group ventured south and saw amazing things happening in the regional         

town of Morija where B4L books have been distributed widely. Then on to the very small rural location of Malealea. We stayed at the Malealea Lodge where entertainment is provided every evening (even the day it poured with rain) with singers, dancers and a local band (using home-made “instruments”). The drummers have presented at two Adelaide Womad events.

 There, David and Liz visited the one-roomed library and childrens’ centre called Paleng – The Place of Stories.

The wonderfull programs offered childeren and yonug people after school in this remote place are typical of what we have seen or heard about in many location in Lesotho. Set in the countryside shown in the first image and hosted by the high school (last image), the Centre is desperate to expand (obvious from the other images). We were introduced to the Centre by the local coordinator, Khothatso,  who is also the barman at the Lodge!

THE VALUE OF READING TO DEVELOPMENT

Recently I read about student achievements in one school in Australia: Central Coast Grammar (in New South Wales). This school was one of the schools that topped national tests in maths and English. The head of teaching, Damon Cooper, was reported as saying that cultivating a love of reading and writing that goes beyond the classroom is key to students’ success. He said that last year, the school was placed in the top 20 in the State for HSC (Year 12) English advanced and extension results – a feat staff attribute to the strong reading culture at the school. 

I was reminded during our recent visit to Lesotho that the Lesotho school library project, spearheaded by the books B4L sends, is a “nation-building project”. Where the books are used effectively, literacy and academic levels of the students improve. Their interest in attending school can change too.

DELIVERIES – Who has delivered books from September this year?

Southern Cross Care Carmelite and Waterford, Lions Club of Angaston and District Book Shed, Glenside Lions Bookmart, Rotary Club of West Beach (was Kidman Park) Book Mart , Northfield Primary School,  Scott Creek Primary School, Blackwood Lion Club Book Shed, Adelaide Hills Library Service, Treasure Boxes, St Johns Grammar School – Belair, St Columba’s Anglican Church, Scotch College, Seymour College, Reynella East College, Immanuel College Senior School, Woodend Primary School, Our Lady of Grace – Glengowrie, Horizon Christian School – Clare and several private donations.

We thank you ALL including those who facilitated the donations! (I’m sorry if I missed some!)

The most recent shipment of books was sent to the Rotary Club Mantsopa arrived in Maseru, Lesotho, on      12 December ready for distribution. With this shipment B4L has delivered 362,205 books to our partners in Lesotho at a shipping cost of $158,000 (that’s about 54c/book) – all raised through your donations.

By 31 January 2026 we will have about 20,000 books packed ready to ship. Will you help us fund the (budgeted) $11,000 shipping costs?

May you have a happy Christmas and a very rewarding year in 2026

David Linn

Foundation Director and Past-ChairmanBooks for Lesotho Inc.TO DONATE

THE FIRST MAJOR DONATIONS FOR 2025/26

The B4L Board approved a budget for 2025/26 of $26,700. The first major donor in the year was the Lions Club of Blackwood and then the Rotary Club of St Peters (both clubs are consistent financial supporters). Left is an image of Chairman of B4L, David Linn, receiving the Rotary donation from Rotarians John Dubberley (left) and Jim Owler, Vice President (right). 

B4L has also received several significant private donations since 1st July. 

Thank you all. 

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN LESOTHO – FROM WHATSAPP 07 DECEMBER 2025

The report on the left is a sign of the future. However, it is likely a long-term development for schools in Lesotho, especially for the schools in the remote schools in isolated mountain villages.

Will computers and other digital equipment (including “smart” phones) displace libraries and therefore the need for B4L to send more books? 

I doubt it, based on the Australian experience and what I have heard from avid book readers in schools in Lesotho. 

There is something about a real item in one’s hand with a bookmark to keep the place.

Never-the-less, I consider the story, left, about the introduction of computing devices in Lesotho schools to be a welcome and essential development.

Also, see the story attached to the newsletter.

AN APPEAL FROM LESOTHO

B4L is currently exploring some options for increasing assistance to Lesotho schools (more on this matter in the December 2025 newsletter).

During these B4L enquiries we have been discovering other NGO’s providing assistance to people in Lesotho.

One of them, the Lesotho Nutrition Initiative (LNI), is trying to help the Basotho (the majority of people in Lesotho are Basotho) fight childhood malnutrition and stunting, especially in children under the age of 5. 

“In 10 years, we have sent 4.5 million meals containing nutritional supplements. Last year, we sent 800,000 meals and our goal is 1 million this year. This will allow us to help about 4,000 kids on a regular basis.”

LNI is in the midst of its annual fundraiser, and I though you would like to know of the initiative and might also make a donation: Donation Link    The website is: givebutter.com

OTHER NEWS FROM LESOTHO – ABOUT ONE OF B4L PARTNERS

“On Friday, August 22nd, Transformation Resource Centre (TRC) and Spelling Bee Association of Lesotho (SBALE) joined forces to host an inspiring capacity-building session for teachers in the TRC network. This dynamic workshop empowered educators with innovative tools and strategies to prepare students for an upcoming school level Spelling Bee Competition for schools within the TRC network. 

“Schools that will be participating are: Likotsi RC, Semphethenyane Primary School, Seleso Primary School, Likotsi LECSA primary school, Phuthiatsana Primary and High school, Lithoteng Primary school and St. James High School.”

(Extracted from a Facebook post.)

SENDING BOOKS TO LESOTHO

The most recent shipment of books left The Barn on 28^th May 2025. It is heading for Singapore then Durban before the climb up to Lesotho for the Rotary Club of Mantsopa. It is the 4^th shipment to that Club. It is also the 30th shipment of books B4L has despatched to Lesotho bringing the total number of books to 362,205 at a shipping cost of $158,000 (currently about some 50c/book) – all raised through public donation.

Thank you for your financial support. B4L needs your continued support.

DELIVERIES – Who has delivered books from July this year?

Blakeview Primary School, Treasure Boxes, Northfield Primary School, Blackwood Lion Club Book Shed, Scotch College, Charles Sturt Library, St Ignatius Primary School, Mostly Books Mitcham Square, Highgate Primary School, Lady of Grace – Glengowrie, Lions Club of Angaston and District Book Shed, Glenside Lions Bookmart, Rotary Club of Kidman Park Book Mart and several private donations.

We thank you ALL including those who facilitated the donations! (I’m sorry if I missed some!)

NEEDED – DONATIONS OF BOOKS AND $s

We are always looking for books in good condition, especially fiction suitable for ages 11 to 14DONATING dollars is easy – see the end of this newsletter

David Linn

Chairman, Books for Lesotho Inc.

Appendix

Sowing the seeds of education through interactive learning – by Bjorn Lomborg, President, Copenhagen Consensus Center, Malmo, SWEDEN  August 2025

In Malawi, one of Africa’s poorest nations, a bold new initiative is transforming classrooms. With adaptive learning from tablets, children are gaining literacy and numeracy skills far faster and more effectively than through traditional schooling alone.Backed by Copenhagen Consensus research, the program delivers extraordinary value: every $1 spent generates $106 in social benefits, delivering higher lifetime earnings for students and society. Teachers, once skeptical, are now enthusiastic, as tablets ease their workload while empowering students to learn at their own pace.

The Financial Times earlier this week published a special report about Malawi’s trailblazing education program, pointing out that it came about as the result of an exercise conducted by Thomas Munthali, former director-general of Malawi’s national planning commission. He had ordered a methodical study of the country’s spending priorities. “There were a lot of public investments taking place without proper assessment of best value for money,” he says. “We had been receiving a lot of aid and spending our own money, but we had very little to show for it.” Tablets came top of the ranking. The analysis was conducted by Copenhagen Consensus Center think-tank, ranking aid projects according to cost effectiveness.

Both the academic evidence and practical experience implementing the program in Malawi clearly show that technology-assisted learning is a powerful example of how focusing on cost-effective solutions can dramatically improve lives and make scarce resources go much further.

HOW GOOD IS THIS?

This is initiative: Faith Mons, a Year 12 student at Scotch College (Adelaide), approached Books for Lesotho Inc. proposing to hold a book drive at the school. Naturally, B4L accepted the offer with alacrity!  Faith’s effort led to a huge supply of books being delivered to The Barn (Faith is seen below with fellow student Amy Wallace) which are all destined for schools in Lesotho. Thank you to Faith, Amy the students, teachers and parents at Scotch College.

RAISING FUNDS FOR BOOKS FOR LESOTHO

One of our members (and a volunteer B4L board director), Peter Murchland, not only turned 70 recently (Happy Birthday, Peter) but asked for donations in lieu of presents to support his 3 favourite charities. Fortunately, B4L is one of these, and its share of the donations was received recently. Thank you, Peter, for the idea and for your family and friends who gave generously.

HOW HAS B4L DONE FINANCIALLY THIS YEAR?

The budget for 12 months to 30 June was: $26,698      Donations since 01 July 2024 total: $22,552. 

Thank you all who gave privately or through clubs, organisations or businesses

B4L has avoided a deficit in 2024/45 because only 2 shipments of the planned 3 have left during 2024/25, i.e. expenditure has only been $21,038.

However, there will be 3 shipments during 2025/26, so we seek you help to meet at least this year’s budget i.e. about $27.000 during 2025/26.                                                     DONATE NOW – see the end of the newsletter

SENDING BOOKS TO LESOTHOThe most recent shipment of books left The Barn on 28^th May 2025. It is heading for Singapore then Durban before the climb up to Lesotho for the Rotary Club of Maluti. It is the 8^th shipment to that Club. It is also the 29^th shipment of books B4L has despatched to Lesotho bringing the total number of books to 352,417 at a shipping cost of $152,707 (some 50c/book on average) – all raised through public donation

WE ARE ALWAYS GRATEFUL TO BUSINESSES THAT HELP US – 

Three Sun Possums (a significant donor), Cleanaway Waste Management Services, Preschem Pty Ltd and Jurlique Australia. Springbank Secondary College is our generous “landlord”.

LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER?

B4L was looking for a new volunteer for Wednesday mornings and has found Marc Jeffrey. We welcome Marc.

DELIVERIES – Who has delivered books since March this year?

The Red Geranium OP Shop, Treasure Boxes, Seymour College, Oxfam Bookshop, Unley High School, Mitcham Rotary Bookshop, Rosary School (Prospect), Dominic’s Primary School, Sheidow Park Primary School, Scotch College., Red Cross (Hove), Lions Club of Angaston and District Book Shed, Mitcham Rotary Bookshop, Glenside Lions Bookmart, Mitcham Library Service, Rotary Club of Kidman Park Book Mart, Woodend Primary School and several private donations. 

We thank you ALL including those who facilitate the donations! (I’m sorry if I missed some!)

NEEDED – DONATIONS OF BOOKS AND $s

We are always looking for books in good condition, 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.

From: The Australian, November 18, 2024  (It has taken a while to get through my system!)

HOW IS B4L DOING FINANCIALLY THIS YEAR?

The budget for 12 months to 30 June is: $26,698      Donations since 01 July 2024 total: $11,713

Thank you all who gave privately or through clubs, organisations or businesses.

We have $14,985 to go to meet the 2024/25 budget; can you help?        

HOW GOOD IS THIS?

Every Australia Day, members of the Mitcham over 50s Exercise Group hold a picnic in Mitcham Memorial Gardens. Attendees are invited to donate to a selected charity. The current charity is Books for Lesotho. This Australia Day event the group donated $313.50. Thank you!

AND THIS; in my Inbox?

“Good afternoon David 

I have wonderful news on behalf of our Library team and community at Saint Ignatius’ College Junior School, Norwood!

 We have held book sales of our second-hand books in exchange for donations at our school, and we have raised $520 for Books for Lesotho!

 When I shared about how many books you had in storage, and how expensive shipping is to get the books over to Lesotho, our community made donations towards the cause.

We are so happy to support you and the Books for Lesotho team and all that you do!

Kind regards,

Adriana Macdonald 

Teacher Librarian, Saint Ignatius’ College, Junior School, Norwood (Adelaide)”

Thank you, Adriana, for this initiative, and thank you to the school community for your generous support.

DELIVERIES – Who has delivered books since the start of this year?

Heathfield Primary School, Treasure Boxes, Mitcham Rotary Bookshop, Callington Primary School, Lions Club of Angaston and District Book Shed, Woodcroft Primary School, Adelaide Hills Library Service, Concordia College, Westbourne Park Primary School, Mitcham Rotary Bookshop, Glenside Lions Bookmart, Mitcham Motor Garage (from several sources), Mitcham Library Service, Rotary Club of Kidman Park Book Mart, St John’s Grammar School, Scott Creek Primary School, Woodend Primary School, Reynella East College, and several private donations. We thank you ALL! (I’m sorry if I missed some!)

LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER?

Long-term volunteer, Hank, has decided that his available hours in retirement have shrunk (happens to all of us) and is leaving Books for Lesotho soon. We will miss his work contribution and his humour! 

This move creates an opportunity for a new volunteer to join the team. Are you interested?

Key Criteria:

. Be available weekly on a Wednesday (well, most weeks anyway) from 9.30 am until noon; at The Barn in Pasadena, SA

. Have an interest in books (that’s our bread and butter, so to speak) to be able to sort them according to school grade level

If you are interested to explore the opportunity, please contact me (David), as per the contacts above.

SHIPPING – Why we collect, sort and pack books…The 26^th shipment B4L has sent to Lesotho since 2007 left The Barn on 11th December 2024. It was the 18^th shipment to the Transformation Resource Centre. (The number of books sent to Lesotho now totals 338,404 at a shipping cost totalling approximately $146,000.) These books are now in Lesotho ready to be distributed to schools, youth centres, orphanages, communities and other youth-oriented organisations.

PROGRESS AT NEWTORO BOOKS – Mokhotlong, NE Lesotho

Books for Lesotho Inc. has sent books to New Toro Books, a community library development started by an enterprising local young person. Here is an extract from a recent Facebook post:  

 “Books, giggles, and endless curiosity! Our little learners from Praise Preschool had an amazing visit to Newtoro Library for story time. They read “Five Little Ducks”, they loved the book so much, you should have seen the smile on their faces because a visit to the library is a visit to endless imagination! Thank you for visiting us.”

NEEDED – DONATIONS OF BOOKS AND $s

We are always looking for books in good condition, especially fiction suitable for ages 11 to 14
DONATING dollars is easy – see the end of this newsletter

ROTARY CLUB OF MALOTI – IN ACTION

Distributing books from Books for Lesotho during 2024

See the image montage on the next page:

David Linn

Chairman, Books for Lesotho Inc.

ROTARY CLUB OF MALOTI – IN ACTION

That’s your donation of books and $s making a difference! 

Thank you 

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND HAVE A GREAT 2025 

OUR BOOKS ARE WELCOMED

Brigitte has becoame a friend to me and Liz. She owns and runs the lovely Morija Guest House. She also sponsors the local Ha Matela Youth Centre (https://www.facebook.com/hamatelayouth) to which Books for Lesotho has sent books via our partner Rotray Club of Maloti, including during the past year. Brigitte writes: 

Hi David,

I just wanted to let you know that we got the 2 boxes of books yesterday. It took a while to coordinate with Ntate Bore but all is well in the end. The volunteers and I were delighted when we opened the boxes and saw some really great books, it felt like Christmas! Thanks again to you, Liz and all your team at Books4L for such a wonderful job.

Take care,

Brigitte 

FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR 2024/25

The Budget for 12 months is: $22,440

Donations since 01 July 2024 total: $4,463

Thank you all who gave privately or through clubs, organisations or businesses – we have a way to go to meet the 2024/25 budget; can you help?

DELIVERIES – Who has delivered books since September this year?

East Adelaide Primary School, Immanuel College Senior School (donated by students and teachers), Mitcham Rotary Bookshop, Glenside Lions Bookmart, Mitcham Motor Garage (from several sources), Mitcham Library Service, Rotary Club of Kidman Park Book Mart, St John’s Grammar School, St Mary’s Memorial School, Red Geranium Op Shop, Oxfam Bookshop, Woodend Primary School, Pembroke College, Prospect Primary School, Burton Primary School and several private donations. We thank you ALL! (I’m sorry if I missed some!)

SHIPPING – Why we collect, sort and pack books…
The 26^th shipment B4L has sent to Lesotho since 2007 left The Barn on 11 December 2024. It was the 18^th shipment to the Transformation Resource Centre. The number of books sent to Lesotho totals 338,404 at a shipping cost totalling approximately $146,000. The books have been distributed to schools, youth centres, orphanages, communities and other youth-oriented organisations.

AGM AND CHANGES TO BOARD MEMBERSHIP

Books for Lesotho Inc. held a successful AGM in November. Candice Page did not stand for re-election after serving for 2 years. The Board thanks her for her contribution, coloured by her being from South Africa and having visited Lesotho. We welcomed Tracy McNamara back to the Board. Tracy took time out from B4L during which she completed her MBA (plus other achievements!).

NEEDED – DONATIONS OF BOOKS AND $s

We are always looking for books in good condition, especially fiction suitable for ages 11 to 14Donating dollars is easy – see the end of this newsletter

David Linn

Chairman, Books for Lesotho Inc.

O DONATE

There are three ways to donate – each one will produce a receipt for Australian tax purposes.  

1. The easy way for you and B4L is to donate through GiveNow. 

This is a secure online donation service: CLICK here

2. 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.

3. Send a donation directly to our bank account:

Account Name: BOOKS FOR LESOTHO INCORPORATED 

BSB: 035-044   Account No: 228285

If you donate directly, and want a receipt, you MUST send an email to B4L with your details, the date and amount deposited. 

I thought readers might be interested in the succcss of Rotary International in Lesotho (my opinion!), as evidenced by the RC of Maloti (one of our partners in Lesotho) fostering the startup of the Rotary Club of Mantsopa (another of our partners in Lesotho). RC of Mantsopa reports below on the formation of 3 Rotoract Clubs (for young people) in Lesotho. It’s quite an achievement! 

We are proud to provide books to our 3 partners in Lesotho: the 2 Rotary Clubs mentioned above, plus the Transformation Resource Centre.

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)

https://jurlique.com.au

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 

Springbank Secondary College Host of The Barn, the home of B4L

         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.  

1. The easy way for you and B4L is to donate through GiveNow. 

This is a secure online donation service: CLICK here

2. 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.

3. 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

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 27^th shipment of books left The Barn in Adelaide bound for the Rotary Club of Mantsopa in Maseru, Lesotho. It was the 3^rd 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.

HERE IS THE CRUNCH.. 

Liz and I have just returned from 11 days in Lesotho where we have re-learned that this project produces  significant and long-lasting results, and that more books are needed in existing school libraries and in schools  without a library. Back home, everyone tells us what a great project this is! But we do not seem able to trigger  the financial support to match the real dollar costs needed to send books to meet the needs in Lesotho. Why?  

YOUR FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION IS NEEDED TO HELP MEET THE 2023/24 BUDGET. Our 2023/24 budget to send 14 pallets of books this year = $22,353. 

I know every charity is asking for your support at this time, and we all seem to be finding fund-raising difficult,  but YOUR donation (whatever the amount) is needed to help bridge the gap!  

Donating is easy – see the end of this newsletter. 

LET’S BE POSITIVE AND RECOGNISING SOME OF OUR CORPORATE FRIENDS … At “the crack of dawn”, our new supplier of cartons for shipping the books  to Lesotho arrived with 520 cartons which is sufficient for over 2 years of  packing. The driver from Visy Boxes and More can be seen preparing to  unload while “volunteers”, Hank and Ray, called out on “double time” stood  by to handle the load. Thank you, Ashley and team from Visy for your  generous support of B4L. The cost of the cartons was covered by our long  term supporters, Chris McEvoy and Preschem Pty Ltd from Melbourne. In  the past several years they have provided cartons from Melbourne. The new  arrangement saved lots of arranging and was a much better financial arrangement. Thanks Chris. 

Three Sun Possums (LINK) donated cash sufficient to fund one pallet of books from Adelaide to Lesotho.  Thanks, Michelle, for your ongoing support. I hope our readers will support your online business! 

A VISIT TO LESOTHO 

Liz and I are freshly back from almost one month visiting Namibia (6^th visit) and Lesotho (16^th visit). We stated  that this was a “farewell tour” (and not intended to be like famous artist’s “farewell tours”), but everywhere we  were told “that we would be back”. We are grateful for the way we were welcomed In Lesotho and thanked for  

the project. We responded by recognising the deep friendships we had made with many people over the years  and the important links with the 3 B4L partners. We acknowledged that B4L was NOT just Liz and me, but was  supported by a Board, regular volunteers at The Barn, financial supporters and the many and varied suppliers of  the books that end of on library shelves in Lesotho. 

The 3 Lesotho partners held a combined “reception” in the office grounds of one of them, Transformation  Resource Centre. It was a beautiful day and the project and partnerships was duly recognised. 

Partner Reception

Later, a meeting with the Rotary Club of Maloti: 

Above: I addressed the meeting and presented T-shirts for needy kids donated from Oz, while Liz presented a huge book of images of  Australia; B4L was presented with a Rotary honour certificate; members present at the meeting (which was followed by fellowship

Then, a meeting with the Rotary Club of Mantsopa: 

This was the first time for a face-to-face meeting with RC of Mantsopa. I addressed the meeting and answered questions. It was a  meaningful time with our latest partner. 

There are many other “book” initiatives happening in Lesotho – it is truly amazing to learn about them. For  example, a friend, Monica …. has started the Molete Reading Club. We visited one Saturday morning: Molete Reading Club

Near the end of our visit to Lesotho, we drove into some of the very high mountains (they are everywhere!) over  3 days for events with the Rotary Club of Maloti and the Ministry of Education in Thaba Tseka and in  Mokhotlong for another event with the NGO, NewToro Books, established as a courier-delivered book lending  service. To get there, we drove on the A3 “highway” which in parts is as rough/tough as almost any track we  have encountered in Australia during our 4×4 holidays. However, the country is very beautiful and the people are wonderful and deserving of all the support we can muster. NewToro Books Reading Club children sang, danced and spoke (confidently) at this lovely event. 

Book worms!!! This is an expression we have not previously encountered in Lesotho, this time meeting it at  least twice. These are students who read books assiduously, and from any source. One Grade 9 student at St  Rose High School told me that she had read every book that she liked that was in the school library and had read  them at least twice – therefore, they needed more books. Her English was clear and spoken naturally – what an  example for other students, and an encouragement for B4L to maintain the supply. Another student told me she  liked “spooky” books, and that she, too, had read all such books in the library. Two students from Mafeteng  spoke at the Partner Reception, one giving a short speech while the other recited a poem about the value of  education. It was another sign of the value of education and the B4L part in supplying library books. 

Not retiring…. Some people thought that as this was intended to be our last visit to Lesotho that we were  “retiring” or even that Books for Lesotho was closing. Neither is the case. The Barn has a year’s supply of  books to sort, pack and send. As I write there are 2 very big loads of books to collect in the coming week! (All  we need are funds to pay the shipping costs to get them to the waiting schools.)  

Liz and I have been very privileged to visit again, to see and experience so much, and to meet so many  people. We came home very tired! 

BOOK DONORS in the past 3 months: 

Angaston and District Lions Bookshed, Glenside Lions Bookmart, Mitcham Motor Garage (from several sources),  Mitcham Rotary Book Shop, Clovelly Park PS, Red Geranium Opp Shop (supporting Medecins Sans Frontieres – Doctors  Without Borders, Woodend PS, Ardrossan PS , Mt Barker PS and several private donations. We thank you ALL! (I’m  sorry if I missed someone!) 

I REPEAT….A BIG THANK YOU 

I trust the above reports warm your hearts 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”. 

David Linn Chairman, Books for Lesotho Inc.

NEWSLETTER No. 32, DECEMBER 2023  

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND HAVE A GREAT 2024  

WITH ALL OUR GOOD NEWS BELOW… 

Books for Lesotho found this NGO, NewToro Books based in remote Mokhotlong, Lesotho…and B4L assisted  by donating books to supplement the loan collection. Now I see the NewToro Young Readers Club is in  operation, and below you will see it for yourself…what an inspiration! 

The town of Mokhotlong:: And then there are our friends, members of the Rotary Club of Maloti, who on Sunday 26 November 2023 took  part in the Walk for Hope Funwalk with a purpose: “We aim to support our communities by bringing hope to  the world”. Their message: “If you would like to improve lives of communities we live in, please join us.”

  They have crumbling roads, too! And a celebration at the end.. 

And what does the club do in association with B4L? Here is a recent Facebook posting: “Rotary Club of Maloti – 30 November 2023 

“Ernest Hemingway says there is no friend as loyal as a book…wrapping up this November our highlight is  definitely the distribution of 35 boxes of books to inspire young leaders. 

The following schools received books: Linakeng Primary, Linakaneng High school, Lesobeng Primary, Lesobeng  High school, Takalatsa Primary, Takalatsa High School, Mononong Primary School, Sehonghong Primary School. “Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or a duty, it should be offered as a gift.  “In Rotary we touch lives and improve the communities we live in.

“Today a Reader tomorrow a Leader’” 

And then there are books for FOR “THE HUB”, IN MORIJA, LESOTHO I have known of The Hub for many years, even visiting a few years ago when it was at The Morija Musem. It is  a local self-sufficent organisation aimed at helping unemployed young people develop skills while enjoying  friendship. I see The Hub has moved and recently started constructing a new library building. Meanwhile, an  enterprising young person invoved with The Hub apporached B4L requesting books to supplement their library  (which has been mainly aimed at young people) and also to enable it to include the wider community of Morija.  B4L has included 3 boxes of books for The Hub in the shipment to Transformation Resource Centre which left The Barn on Monday 18 December 2023. This brought the total number of books sent to Lesotho to 296,026.

The Hub opening in 2015 (original site) The Hub in action today The new library under construction** **Images from The Hub’s Facebook pages

And the GOOD STORIES go on in Lesotho!!

BOOK DONORS in the past 3 months: 

Emmanuel College: Immanuel College Senior School Dr Kylie S Booker, Director of  Resources & Innovation, has, again, facilitated the donation of books to Books for  Lesotho from two sources, the annual Once Upon a Festival and the Immanuel Primary  School library. B4L thanks Kylie for her consistent support and thanks the various donors  of an excellent collection of books.  

Above: Kylie with Liz at the pickup of the donated books 

Seymour College, Reynella East College, East Adelaide PS, Concordia College,  Woodcroft PS, Coomandook Area School, St Peter’s Woodlands Grammar School,  Woodend PS, Mylor PS, etc, etc I’m sorry if I missed your school! Plus Angaston and District Lions Bookshed, Glenside Lions Bookmart, Mitcham Rotary Bookshop.,  Mitcham Motor Garage and several private donations. We thank you ALL! 

BOOKS FOR LESOTHO INC. AGM 

As required by law, B4L had its AGM in November. The 7 dedicated members of the board all continue (one half of the directors must retire each year but can be re-elected). Donations from private, corporate and  organisational sources totalled $18,141.34 plus $525 which was for a special purpose with expenses being  $21,592.88. To maintain sending 14 pallets each year will likely cost B4L $22,353 in 2023/24.  

YOUR donation is needed! Donating is easy – see the end of this newsletter. Make it a Christmas present.

CORPORATE ASSISTANCE OR DONATIONS 

B4L acknowledges recent/ongoing help in various ways from: 

Cleanaway Waste Management Limited – disposal of paper and cardboard for recycling Visy – Boxes & More – makers of cartons and boxes – supplying 500 cartons (over 2 years suppy) Preschem Pty Ltd – Timber finishes and treatments – covering the cost of 500 cartons! Thank you; you help balance the budget. 

A BIG THANK YOU 

I trust the above reports warm your hearts 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”. 

David Linn Chairman, Books for Lesotho Inc.

SUSTAINING BOOKS FOR LESOTHO INC.

We thank all our generous donors of books; we receive suppliers of wonderful books ready to sort and pack for our partners in Lesotho. However, we are always looking for donations of books – from first children’s books to young adults, fiction and non-fiction. Please talk to your school or local library about what they do with “discards”. Many libraries still do not know that organisations like B4L exist to “recycle” their discards for “hungry” readers in places like Lesotho.

How do we get the books to Lesotho? By sea freight packed on pallets. To do this we need $s! Our income last year through donations totalled $18,141 which fell well short of the costs. To maintain sending 14 pallets each year will likely cost B4L $22,353 in 2023/24. YOUR donation (however small) will help us meet that target.

Giving is easy – see the end of this newsletter.

WHAT DOES YOUR DONATION ACHIEVE?  PLEASE READ ON!

THE ROTARY CLUB OF MALOTI receives books and marks up a first

On Saturday 02 June, Rotarian Maud Boikanyo sent a WhatsApp message: “Consignment received and in storage at the Schools Supply Unit of the Ministry of Education in Maseru. Thumbs up.” 

This was our 5^th shipment to Rotary Club of Maloti (RCoMal). Usually, a Rotary club has nowhere to store such a shipment while the distribution is arranged. After discussions with the Ministry about distributing books to schools in and around Thaba Tseka (mid-country, east of Maseru), the two entities are cooperating. Liz and I have helped unpack a container load of books for schools, being part of African Library Project annual shipment from the USA. This same Ministry facility was being used by African Library Project as a storage base from which schools collected their allocations. Before a school year starts, the facility is full of curriculum materials, but for the rest of the year it has limited schools’ stock, The fact that RCoMal has linked with the Ministry to use this temporary storage facility prior to the distribution is a FIRST for a B4L shipment. Well done RCoMal.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF MANTSOPA (RCoMan)

The annual shipment to RCoMan left The Barn late in June and arrived in Maseru on 07 September.

Here is an extract from a Facebook post at the time of their annual “handover” to a new Board. It celebrates the club’s achievements in which you all played a part as supporters of B4L!

Here are 3 images showing the club at work with a book distribution at a school: 

And 3 images taken at the 2023 “handover” event – full of celebration and pride:

BOOKS ARRIVE AT NEW TORO BOOKS

An enterprising young woman named Rest started this NGO, based in Mokhotlong in the mountains in NE Lesotho, to order to provide a library service with delivery to the reader’s home, anywhere in the country. (I find it impossible to understand how she achieves this considering the remoteness and mountainous country that Lesotho is!) The first boxes of books from B4L were shipped through the Rotary Club of Maloti during 2022 with a second delivery (also through RCoMal) arriving a few months ago. Below are images of Rets and her helpers unpacking the books. Do they look excited?

HOW ARE WE DOING IN 2023/24?

A reminder: With a 2023/24 budget of $22,353 and donations to date totalling just over $4,000, B4L is looking forward to your contribution, no matter the amount.

A BIG THANK YOU

I trust the above reports warm your hearts 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 and $s.

David Linn

Chairman, Books for Lesotho Inc.