Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Board of Books for Lesotho!
NEWS
1. A NEW BRANCH IN SYDNEY – The B4L Board recently approved a Business Plan and Memorandum of Understand for consideration by a group based in Sydney with the intention of commencing a branch in Sydney. I hope by Newsletter No. 21 to be able to report that it is up and running.
2. THE BARN has been operating at top pace since re-opening on 29 April with all volunteers keeping busy. In the September Newsletter I reported tNhat we needed books because of a slow-up in deliveries due to COVID-19. South Pacific School Aid came to our immediate aid with a generous supply of mainly upper secondary novels – thank you SPSA. In due course, deliveries picked up such that sorters have not been short of work… However, there continues to be shortage at secondary school level of novels and non fiction: can you help? Please ask at your local school, or friends or…..
3. IMMANUEL COLLEGE AND BOOK WEEK
Through the good services of Dr Kylie Booker and Resource Centre staff, he Senior School supported B4L again during Book Week. B4L volunteers collected a great store of books from the school – donated by students during Book Week. We also received a cash donation – something that is needed to support the sending of the books to Lesotho. Thank you all.
4. OTHER BOOK DONORS – Thank you to all who have delivered books to B4L this year, especially those after the COVID-19 closures, including many new donors.
5. MITCHAM 50-AND-OVER EXERCISE GROUP Members of this group have been long-term supporters of B4L mainly through voluntary donations, usually by placing small amounts into a “tin” at the entrance to their exercise sessions. Things have been very unsettled since the start of COVID-19 and upon return much uncertainty about a venue. As a result, the regular pattern of giving has been disrupted and donations are down; in the past six months $373.75 compared with $529.00 in the same period last year. B4L hopes the loyal supporters will seek out the “tin” and start up again.
6. REMEMBER in the last Newsletter I reported on the Rotary Club of Maloti sharing in the opening of the new village Library in Mpharane (in the Mohaleshoek district) – an initiative of Ntate (Mr) Mothae Moletsane. He recently sent me two reports:
Hallo David ….!! It’s been a long time. How is life? Lesotho is good. We had enough rain recently to plough our fields. I was busy in the fields. Covid 19 has really taugh us a lesson as individuals that we must work hard to produce more especially on Agriculture. We are still trying to instil the culture of reading to our local community …they are not using the library very often, but bit by bit, we are getting there. Community mostly need daily services like photo-copying and printing. However, we are still looking forward to receiving more books early next year from B4L project. Mothae
Good morning David! How is life? We are currently busy working in the fields here in Lesotho, planting summer crops. I just bought this coloured printer, photocopy and scanning machine for our community library, as most people come to the library looking for this kind of services. We are slowly getting there. We receive free weekly newspapers from three English Newspaper namely Public Eye, Lesotho Times and The Post Newspaper. The Government Sesotho newspaper, “Lentsoe La Basotho” also agreed to give us free copies every Wednesday, though we have not yet started collecting them. Some local communities are starting to donate books to the library, e.g. last week one Court Magistrate who is from our area donated 5 good books. We highly appreciate that. We hope the money collected from photocopies and printing will help to give our volunteer a small monthly stipend. We also give M200 (AUD20) monthly to the owner of the building. We might also get second hand/used bookshelves from the National University of Lesotho. Good news on harvesting …we currently have good rains and we also hoping for good harvest next winter ….cheers! Mothae
Sounds like good news for Lesotho on several fronts.
FROM INSIDE THE BARN
This item continues the series where
we hear from a volunteer at The Barn.
Here is Ray Janus who is our expert
book packer, diligent counter (how do
you think we know how many books
we have sent?) and very regular
volunteer.
On entering the barn where B4L is located one encounters a somewhat chaotic collection of shelves, tables and
books seemingly stashed in any number of places. A closer inspection reveals that there is a specific location for
everything to accommodate sorted and unsorted books, packed pallets and specific spots for sorting and
packing books. There are even dedicated spaces for incomplete book series, teaching materials and games but
unfortunately for the volunteers there is no space for a tea-room although outdoors is a pleasant option most
days.
All the books are sorted into appropriate age levels and are either stored or packed as required. The variety and
quality of the books is very impressive with only a small number requiring minor repairs. The most interesting
section for this volunteer is the 1 to 3 school year level that spans the learning to read years. These books come
3in all shapes and sizes (that can be awkward to pack) and cover many topics with some having strange titles such as ‘Don’t Let the Pigeon
Drive the Bus!’. It is interesting to note how so many of the books have animal characters. The best part of the books is the attractive artwork which is detailed and colourful. This is a significant change from when there werelimited children’s books with black and white illustrations (Left Figure) to now (Right Figure).
FINANCES Straight facts: Donations since 01 July 2020 = $8,479 Same period last year = $4,350 Budget for 2020/21 = $14,203 Help us “Close-the -gap”… $5,724 B4L started the 2020/21 financial year confident that funds will be raised to cover the shipping costs of another 11 pallets of books for our current two in-country partners, Rotary Club of Maloti and Transformation Resource Centre. We look forward to your continued support. Thank you…
Help us “Close-the -gap”… $5,724
B4L started the 2020/21 financial year confident that funds will be raised to cover the shipping costs of another 11 pallets of books for our current two in-country partners, Rotary Club of Maloti and Transformation Resource Centre. We look forward to your continued support. Thank you…
Budget vs income for 2019/20: Final figures: Budget was AUD13,604 while donations totalled AUD10,892. This is the first year that Books for Lesotho has recorded a deficit. Thank you all who contributed over this difficult year.
The Barn has been operating at full swing since re-opening on 29 April with volunteers keen to be busy and useful again even while taking precautions against the virus. Deliveries have continued over the period, but at a much reduced rate – books are now needed!! Please ask at your local school, or friends or…..
MITCHAM 50-AND-OVER EXERCISE GROUP Members of this group has been a long-term supporters of B4L mainly through voluntary donations with this usually being by way of placing small amounts into a “tin” at the entrance to their exercise sessions. Things have been very unsettled for the group since the start of COVID-19 and upon return much uncertainty about a venue. As a result, the regular pattern of giving has been disrupted and donations are down. B4L hopes those of the group who have been loyal supporters will seek out the “tin” and start up again. Thank you for your moral and $ support.
LOTS OF GOOD NEWS – Many items here!
Many of our regular “suppliers” have continued or resumed supply to B4L. One of these is the Adelaide
Hills Council Library Service. Following the most recent delivery, Collections Support Offices Michaela
Dore shared that some of the staff were looking forward to retiring so they could join in the sorting and
packing operation – surely this means Books for Lesotho has a secure future!!
The annual shipment to the Rotary Club of Maloti (RCoMa) arrived at the Lesotho border with South
Africa on 31 August ready for customs clearance. Rotary members wrote that they were very excited as
the delivery was in time for Rotary Basic Education and Literacy Month in Lesotho which is being held
despite the close down of schools due to COVID-19.
I have learned since heard from ‘Me Yande Sikazwe-Mothae, 2020/21 President of RCoMa:
Thank you, David. Like I advised earlier, this is the right time for the books to come in. Schools are
reopening after the Covid situation and we have Basic Education and Literacy in Rotary this month – so
quite exciting. We are truly grateful for the support you render to Lesotho and extremely appreciative.
Regards
Yande
Rotary took possession of the shipment a few days later, as the first 2 images following testify!
3. David and Liz met Mr Mothae Moletsane when he worked for our other partner, Transformation Resource Centre (TRC). A few months ago, Mothae contacted B4L requesting books to start a community library in his village, Mpharane (in the Mohaleshoek district). As Rotary projects are more focussed on community development (which includes schools and pre-schools) than TRC (very focussed on schools), Rotary agreed to include books for that Mpharane library. Mothae collected the 5 boxes within a few days of their arrival with RCoMa and organised a launch of the new library.
Almost 100 people attended the opening on 11th September 2020 including from local communities, media outlets and special guests: Principal Chief of Pontseng, Mrs
‘Mamohale Mohale; other local chiefs; Chairperson of Thaba-Mikhele Community Council in Mpharane, Mr Mahlatsi Makakole; Ministry of Education District Resource Teacher, Mrs Kekeletso Kotelo; Headmaster of Mt Carmel School, Mr Lelingoana Moroke; members of RCoM including the District Governor (Mrs Maud Boikanyo), 2020 Club President (Mrs Yande Sikazwe-Mothae), President Elect (Ms Heshie Serobanyane), Past President and Director of Projects (Mr Tlhako Mokhoro), Past President and Director of Foundation (Ms Lucy Liphafa), Rotarian Ms Limpho Setomi and their 14 y.o. guest, Thabelo Serobanyane. You will notice local ladies carrying bread donated for the celebratory opening by Blue Ribbon Company.
Ntate Tlhako wrote to me, “It was definitely a resounding success, judging by enthusiasm of the local people, in particular. The speech by a representative he nearby school, which received books previously, sharing the benefits and experience with having a library.”
B4L trusts the books selected in far-away Adelaide will form the basis of a useful library in the community. We received a very prompt report on the suitability of our selection:
I’m very impressed with the choice of books we received. They are very good books indeed! We are very happy with the quality of the books, Regards Mothae”.
B4L congratulates Ntate Mothae Moletsane (shown left) on this initiative and the Rotary Club of Maloti for supporting his efforts. B4L plans to help the community add to the collection. (You might see the few books on the shelves! Mr Mothae advises that the other boxes could not be brought for the opening due to limited transport available at the time.)
RCoMa members do not sleep! On 22 September 2020, I received the following report from Mme
Yande Sikazwe-Mothae, current President of RCoMa:
ROTARY REACHES OUT TO THE JUVENILES – PRESS RELEASE
Today the Rotary Club of Maloti outdid themselves when they reached out to Juveniles who are considered to be
students at the Juveniles Training Center under Lesotho Correctional Services (LCS) and donated educational
books to them. Speaking at the auspicious occasion, the president of the club Mrs Yande Sikazwe -Mothae said in
Rotary, they strongly believe in education, so much so that the month of September is themed Basic Education and
literacy month. She quoted the great Nelson Mandela when he said “Education is the most powerful weapon
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which you can use to change the world”, and she said they as Rotarians truly believe this hence why they
prioritise education. Mrs Sikazwe-Mothae mentioned that this Rotary year has been themed “Rotary opens
opportunities”, and therefore through education that they believe that opportunities can be opened.
Mrs Sikazwe-Mothae said they in Rotary are a group of volunteers who believe in “service above self”, they use
their time and resources to help those who are less fortunate and they do this in collaboration with other
organisations throughout the world. She mentioned that for the past few years, they have received educational
books from an organisation in Australia called Books for Lesotho through Mr David Linn which they then
distributed to schools. In the past two weeks they helped launch a library in Mpharane Mohale’s Hoek called
Mpharane Community Library. Last week they donated educational books to four schools being Lithabaneng
high school, Methodist high school, Life high school and St Angela high school. Notwithstanding they felt that the
students who consist of 5 girls and 32 boys who must be catered for and should not be forgotten in society as we
still owe them a responsibility to develop them and prepare them for life after rehabilitation . She said they
strongly believe that during their rehabilitation, education will play an important part in ensuring that they are
better citizens who can contribute to the development of the country.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of LCS Mr Majara portrayed his heartfelt gratitude towards Rotary. He said the
Juvenile Training Centre (JTC) is an institution where the Basotho children who have been in conflict with the
law are being sent to be guided and corrected properly by the staff of LCS, other members of the society and
officials from different Ministries like the department of Education . Commissioner Majara said to President
Yande that it was only a few days ago when she said they wished to donate the books from Australia that would
be used by the children so that they could develop themselves through these reading materials and today indeed
that became reality and he said he was thankful. He said it is important that education should be one of the
fundamental tools for children and they must not be discriminated as they too deserve education.
One of the beneficiaries on behalf of all juveniles (name withheld for protection of minor child) said he thanked
everyone, especially the Rotary Club of Maloti as they felt honoured to be given the books which he said they will
use for their education. He said their teacher will make sure they use the books well for their benefit. He also
thanked the media saying through them, people will know that they too exist. He further thanked Rotary that even
though they were in a correctional facility because they wronged the community they felt loved knowing that
others regard them as human beings and for that he said they were very grateful.
RCoMa members do not sleep! On 22 September 2020, I received the following report from Mme Yande Sikazwe-Mothae, current President of RCoMa:
ROTARY REACHES OUT TO THE JUVENILES – PRESS RELEASE
Today the Rotary Club of Maloti outdid themselves when they reached out to Juveniles who are considered to be students at the Juveniles Training Center under Lesotho Correctional Services (LCS) and donated educational books to them. Speaking at the auspicious occasion, the president of the club Mrs Yande Sikazwe -Mothae said in Rotary, they strongly believe in education, so much so that the month of September is themed Basic Education and literacy month. She quoted the great Nelson Mandela when he said “Education is the most powerful weapon
3
which you can use to change the world”, and she said they as Rotarians truly believe this hence why they prioritise education. Mrs Sikazwe-Mothae mentioned that this Rotary year has been themed “Rotary opens opportunities”, and therefore through education that they believe that opportunities can be opened.
Mrs Sikazwe-Mothae said they in Rotary are a group of volunteers who believe in “service above self”, they use their time and resources to help those who are less fortunate and they do this in collaboration with other organisations throughout the world. She mentioned that for the past few years, they have received educational books from an organisation in Australia called Books for Lesotho through Mr David Linn which they then distributed to schools. In the past two weeks they helped launch a library in Mpharane Mohale’s Hoek called Mpharane Community Library. Last week they donated educational books to four schools being Lithabaneng high school, Methodist high school, Life high school and St Angela high school. Notwithstanding they felt that the students who consist of 5 girls and 32 boys who must be catered for and should not be forgotten in society as we still owe them a responsibility to develop them and prepare them for life after rehabilitation . She said they strongly believe that during their rehabilitation, education will play an important part in ensuring that they are better citizens who can contribute to the development of the country.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of LCS Mr Majara portrayed his heartfelt gratitude towards Rotary. He said the Juvenile Training Centre (JTC) is an institution where the Basotho children who have been in conflict with the law are being sent to be guided and corrected properly by the staff of LCS, other members of the society and officials from different Ministries like the department of Education . Commissioner Majara said to President Yande that it was only a few days ago when she said they wished to donate the books from Australia that would be used by the children so that they could develop themselves through these reading materials and today indeed that became reality and he said he was thankful. He said it is important that education should be one of the fundamental tools for children and they must not be discriminated as they too deserve education.
One of the beneficiaries on behalf of all juveniles (name withheld for protection of minor child) said he thanked everyone, especially the Rotary Club of Maloti as they felt honoured to be given the books which he said they will use for their education. He said their teacher will make sure they use the books well for their benefit. He also thanked the media saying through them, people will know that they too exist. He further thanked Rotary that even though they were in a correctional facility because they wronged the community they felt loved knowing that others regard them as human beings and for that he said they were very grateful.
RCoMa Donates to
Juvenile Training Centre.mp4
Click on the arrow to view the video.
B4L congratulates all parties for the media coverage they secured which also included reference to the Australian contribution from Books for Lesotho Inc. We are proud of you.
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5. And Rotary (RCoMa) goes on excelling itself… On 23 September I received a message from Mme Yande that RCoMa was that day intending to distribute books to 5 schools, Less than 4 hours later Yande messaged, “Looks like we are now done.. All boxes distributed. Thank you again for making this possible.” Later, “I have absolutely enjoyed being at the helm of distribution (as Rotary President). Just seeing the happiness of the recipients is heart warming.” I think that says it all!
THE FUTURE
In the June 2020 Newsletter we reported the Board and volunteers had held a planning session to consider future directions. Investigations regarding opening a branch in Sydney continue despite delays mainly due to border closures between SA and NSW. Recent changes have removed that impediment. From Lesotho, TRC has reported that a 2nd shipment could be handled in a given year subject to covering additional costs in Lesotho.
After reading of these fantastic success stories, Books for Lesotho invites YOUR DONATION!
B4L started the 2020/21 financial year confident that funds will be raised to cover the shipping costs of another 11 pallets of books for our current two in-country partners, Rotary Club of Maloti and Transformation Resource Centre. We look forward to your continued support. Thank you…
David Linn
Chairman, Books for Lesotho Inc.
p.s. I expected this newsletter to be 2 pages, but obviously events have overtaken me. So, if you have reached this point and enjoyed reding of the successes, it will have been worth the effort. Ahead for you are the detailed reports from Mr Mothae Moletsane, and Mrs Teboho Lesei …please read on. David
MPHARANE COMMUNITY LIBRARY LAUNCHED WITH JUBILATIONS The official launching of Mpharane Community library was a dream come true for Mpharane Community. The place is located in the remote rural Southern district of Mohale’s Hoekin Lesotho, at the foothills of Thaba-Putsoa mountains range. The Mpharane Community described the opening of the library in their area as a long-awaited dream and enormous milestone that made history. The books were donated by Books for Lesotho (B4L) in Australia and Rotary Club of Maloti in Lesotho facilitated the official launch and opening of the community library. The community named the Library “Leseli (Light) of Mpharane Community Library, after the launch. The donated books range from Grade 7 to Lower Secondary level books, Pre-school to Grade 6 level, Upper secondary to Adult level “Fiction”, Upper Secondary to Adult level “non-fiction”, Upper Secondary to Adult level mixed “fiction” and “non-fiction” and Adult level “fiction” books. The Library will also provide the following services to the local communities; photo-copying and printing, Wi-Fi internet connections. Besides the donated books, some reading materials at library will include among others; local newspapers, magazines, government gazettes, hazards, special reports, documentaries and archives. Speaking on behalf the Mpharane Community, the Principal Chief of PontŠeng, Mrs ‘Mamohale Mohale expressed her deepest appreciations on behalf the community for the donated books, saying the opening of the library in the Mpharane area is the greatest development for the coming generations. She encouraged the community to adopt the culture of reading as that will assist them to acquire knowledge and skills. Principal Chief Mohale appealed to the community of Mpharane to always protect their library facility, which is the first of its kind the district. Addressing the community during the launching ceremony, the President of the Rotary Club of Maloti Mrs Yande Mothae encouraged the community of Mpharane to use the library wisely in order to better themselves, she said the children, the elderly, the young, the youth and all of them were accommodated for in the library. Mrs Mothae also said the theme of September is basic education and literacy while the Rotary theme for this year is “Rotary opens Opportunities”. She said they are opening the opportunities through that community library. She also said the reading and learning that will be made in that community library will be all in a bit to open opportunities for the community. She also passed her special thanks to Mr. Mothae Moletsane for facilitating the opening of the library and further urged the community to take care of the library even for future generations. She acknowledged the partners in Australia, Books for Lesotho who donated the books which were donated to Mpharane and will also be donated to other schools. The Chairperson of Thaba-Mokhele Community Council in Mpharane, Mr Mahlatsi Makakole said the community library in the area will shed light to the entire community and opens more opportunities. She encouraged everyone to use the library prudently. Speaking at the same occasion, one of the teacher who is also a beneficiary of Books for Lesotho project in schools through Transformation Resource Centre, Mr Lelingoana Moroke, Headmaster at Mt Carmel High School said the donated books from B4L assisted their learners to perform better and excel in their final examinations in the past five years. “The books played a pivotal role in our school. Our school used to be at the bottom amongst all schools in the district, but after we received books from “Books for Lesotho”, we managed to snatch highest position ranging from position 2, and this year we were expecting position 1 if it was not because of inconvenience caused by Covid-19 Speaking at the same launch, the District Governor for Rotary Club of Maloti, Ms Maud Boikanyo explained that rotary is an organization where volunteers give back to the community. She said since its establishment in Lesotho, Rotary has done many projects for the communities throughout the country. She further explained that in Lesotho their focus is on water and sanitation, economic and community development, maternal and child health, supporting the environment, basic education and literacy, disease prevention and treatment and peace and prevention/resolution. The District Governor therefore urged the Mpharane community to take care of the library and treasure this donation. In the Rotary, the month of September is the Basic Education and Literacy month, therefore the launch of the Mpharane Community Library came at the opportune time when Rotarians all over the world are promoting basic education and literacy because Rotarians strongly believe that a happy educated child creates a wiser happy world to live in. In the same event, the Ministry of Education District Resource Teacher, Mrs Kekeletso Kotelo said
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Mpharane community library is the first of its kind in the district, and she encouraged the community and youth to use the library to improve their lives and results at schools. Mrs Kotelo said that her Ministry is proud of the launch of the library in the Mpharane area as that will assist learners to perform well in their results despite difficult time of COVID – 19. The Founder and Manager of Mpharane Community Library, Mr Mothae Moletsane expressed his gratitude and heartfelt appreciation and thanks to Books for Lesotho and Rotary Club of Maloti for making sure that the books get to the library in good order. He said they have hope that the library will bring a bright future to the community of Mpharane and encouraged his community members to use the library accordingly. Mr Moletsane also encouraged the community and learners from different schools in the area to form reading clubs so as to motivate each other and develop more reading skills and culture. The launch of the library was also supported by Lesotho Bakery through Blue Ribbon Company with Bread and also as a contribution on food crisis caused by Covid-19 pandemic.
CHALLENGES Some of the challenges facing Mpharane Community Library are, but not limited to; firstly, lack of desktop computer to store and record books and all reading materials on the database; secondly, lack of electricity connection in the area and solar energy system; thirdly, the stipend to give to Librarian volunteer on monthly basis and refresher trainings for volunteer to be familiar on how to reference and use softwares that can record books in the library. Mr Mothae Moletsane
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Report received on 28/09/2020
Report from Rotary Club of Maloti on the books donated in 2020.
The books arrived on the 31st August . there were 60 boxes.
Five boxes were distributed to Mpharane community Library. On the 11th September MRC
distributed 5 boxes given to the Mpharane
16th September 6 boxes for each school were distributed to the following schools:
• St Angela school of the handicapped
• Lithabaneng high school
• Metholist High school
• Life high school received 7
22nd September
• The juvenile correction school received 6 boxes. This is a school for young people who have committed crime who are under correctional services and are being rehabiliated
23rd September
The following schools received 5 boxes each:
• ‘Malithuso high school
• St Steven’s high school
• Semonkong high school
• Silioe high school
• Ant pre-school received 4 boxes
The Rotary Club of Maluti is very proud and happy with the partnership and wants to thank Books for Lesotho on behalf of the recipients.
The 3rd shipment of books to Rotary Club of Maloti in Lesotho was despatched on 24 June 2020. It comprised 9,114 books on 4 pallets with a transport cost to the Lesotho boarder of AUD3,577.23 Over 182,000 books have been shipped to Lesotho at a cost of AUD68,426.
Recently the Springbank Secondary College was given a reprieve from closure, which also means that Books for Lesotho does not have to find a new operating location. Naturally we are pleased for ourselves, but also for all the parties that use the school buildings and its grounds. We wish the school well (as our position hangs on such success) as it continues to serve the community. (B4L made a submission to the official enquiry.)
Budget vs income: The 2019/20 budget was AUD13,604 while donations totalled AUD10,508. This was a credible result considering all the competing scenarios in the world at present. The deficit is covered by an earlier generous donation from Lang Foundation which the Board has kept in reserve. Through regular giving, Mitcham Exercise Group donated AUD1,072.05 compared with AUD1,168 in 2018-19 – which is amazing considering the length of time the group has not been active due to COVID-19 restrictions. An additional AUD1,510 was donated to allow B4L to be a sponsor of African Library Congress Summit held in Lesotho during March.
The Barn has been operating at full swing since re-opening on 29 April with volunteers keen to be useful again while taking precautions against the virus. Deliveries have continued over the period, but at a much reduced rate – books are now needed!!
THE FUTURE
The Board and volunteers recently held a planning session to consider future directions. The meeting concluded that an offer to open what would be a branch of B4L in Sydney would be explored. This opportunity has arisen due a Sydney-based person showing keen interest in the project. We know the need exists in Lesotho for more library books in schools, but any increase in annual quantity must be matched by in-country capacity to handle. This aspect is currently being investigated.
YOUR DONATION, PLEASE!
B4L receives “donations in kind”. One very generous contributor is Chris
McEvoy in Melbourne who provides the fabulous cartons for our packers to use.
As this newsletter is being written another shipment of cartons is on its way
along with books that have been donated by schools in Melbourne. Thank you,
Chris.
B4L starts another financial year confident that funds will be raised to cover the shipping costs of another 11 pallets of books for our current two in-country partners, Rotary Club of Maloti and Transformation Resource Centre. We look forward to your continued support.
Here are some more images from the March 2020 visit to Lesotho. The top 4 are from a school supplied with books by African Library Project; the lower 5 images are from 2 schools supported by Transformation Resource Centre with books from B4L and including Me’ Nthatuoa Mohapi, the TRC Library Officer:
THE BARN HAS CLOSED FOR A COVID-19 BREAK – we will reopen ASAP! If you are in South Australia and have books to donate, please contact David on 0418 877 112
YOUR DONATION, PLEASE!
B4L is struggling, like most charities, to raise funds following other recent appeals such as for bushfire victims and now the effects of COVID-19. As you will see below, Lesotho has a great need for our library books and what you have sent are being used in many schools to effect significant changes in children. However, we need $13,604 by 30 June 2020 to meet this year’s costs. Donations to date = $8,100
To help B4L raise $5,500 in less than 2.5 months make a tax-deductable donation on this website
Thank you Lions Club of Blackwood and Rotary Club of St Peters; both made significant donations in response to a recent appeal to local service clubs.
VISIT TO LESOTHO – MARCH 2020
Founders of B4L, David and Liz Linn (we) visited Lesotho just prior to the COVID-19 shut down but catching the 14-day isolation period on return. We report that the trip was very important to the development of B4L for 3 main reasons; 2 related to our regular partners, Transformation Resource Centre (TRC) and Rotary Club of Maloti (RCoMa) while third was the Summit by African Library Project (ALP).
Meeting with the originator of the book project: We met with ‘Me Mosa Muso who, as the then librarian at TRC, conceived the idea on which B4L has built, was a lovely event. Mosa (left) lives with her husband in Welcom in South Africa.
Meeting with TRC and subsequent visit to 2 schools: History repeating; when we arrived at TRC in 2008 we found the first shipment in the TRC foyer. This time the latest shipment of 105 boxes of books was prominently standing in the foyer and awaiting distribution to schools .
In the past few months there have been staff changes at TRC (although key people have only changed positions) so the meeting provide an opportunity to bring us all up-to-date. TRC remains committed to distributing the annual shipment, but increasing budget pressure means that the schools are in more populated and accessible areas rather than the remote mountain areas. The latter can only be serviced if more funds are available. Ongoing support to schools and auditing of use of the book resources are also limited due to the lack of funds.
Together with the 3 key members of TRC staff, we visited 2 schools in metropolitan Maseru
The Maseru LECS PS library has good shelving in a dedicated room with tables and chairs. The library looks well-stocked, but the school has had only one B4L shipment. The next B4L/TRC donation will transform the library. Books are set out on shelves in the same way B4L packed them at The Barn. The timetable for use of the library is shown below right.
Mabathoane Secondary School
has a huge light-filled library. It has lots of books on strong shelving and is
well-furnished with large tables and many chairs. Books are catalogued using
the Dewey System. With 2 staff managing the library, and programmed use of the
library, students are benefitting. Many of the books showed publishing dates
from yesteryear; staff stated books will be discarded as new ones arrive.
Therefore they were eagerly awaiting their share of the books currently sitting
in the TRC foyer.
Meeting with RCoMa: It was a pleasure to meet with Rotary members who are key contacts in the supply of books to their community service projects and nearby schools. As with all Rotarians, they are dedicated to their community. The meeting consolidated the relationship and provided an opportunity to discuss future actions, including co-operation between the various groups donating books for school libraries in Lesotho.
The images below show the working group meeting at Kick-4-Life which provides excellent accommodation with its profits supporting soccer development. The soccer pitch is right there!
Attendance at African Library Project (ALP) Summit and related visits to 4 schools in and around Maseru: The prime reason we travelled to Lesotho at this time (was it “essential travel”?) was to attend the ALP Summit held at Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village about 30 minutes drive from Maseru CBD and situated below Thaba-Bosiu (means: mountain at night) – a National Monument.
As you will see from the African Library Project website, and the Lesotho Facebook page, ALP is an amazing
organisation. Here the 2 Founders of B4L met the Founder of ALP, Chris
Bradshaw, and learned that ALP was founded at about the same time as B4L
started. The development of ALP is amazing; over 3,000,000 books to over 3,000
school libraries (about 1,000 to 1,500 books in each) in 12 African countries.
The African Library Project
motto speaks to anyone establishing libraries: Changing Lives,
Book by Book.
The original programme for the Summit over 5 days was modified when COVID-19 prevented all but one delegate from participating African countries outside of Lesotho were forced to cancel, as did some people due to come from USA. The revised programme concentrated on ALP operations in Lesotho with a strong focus on future co-operation between the various entities trying to achieve the same result in Lesotho, including B4L and its partners TRC and RCoMa. The programme included more than 80 teacher-librarians joining for 2 days of seminar sessions and in-school work on how to establish a library. ALP representatives and volunteers worked very, very hard to achieve a highly successful Summit out of a sea of challenges.
Through a special appeal to
B4L donors, sufficient funds were raised to allow B4L to sponsor the cost of
catering for the teacher-librarians over the 2 days.
We trust we represented B4L
well in this international forum, but we can confess to not doing too well when
delegates were, as part of a cultural evening, invited to present something
that represented their country (how does one depict meat pies, AFL, flies,
vegemite, koalas, etc., and an “easy-going’ multicultural society?). We did try
to sing, “We are one, but we are many…”
From the report we made to B4L Board, the standouts were:
The presence of the founders of 2 long-standing organisations both sending books used to establish libraries in schools in Lesotho
The spirit in which we were welcomed
One theme was, “Teamwork makes the Dream work”
Sharing between the many parties represented with everyone trying to make the Summit worthwhile (which in our view was achieved), learning from each other (also achieved), fostering cooperation between the parties (developed further over the days) and working to improve in-school care and use of libraries (an on- going task)
Visits to schools to view the different standards of libraries, the rooms (spaces) in which the libraries exist, the effort made by many teachers and schools to make the best of their library resource, the various methods schools have used to make shelving
Visits to schools that highlighted the inadequacy in most cases of spaces used as a library, shelving, desks and seats to allow students to read in comfort let alone heating/cooling, for teacher training and dedication to a library, and a larger inventory of books
Visit to school highlighted the reading ability of students selected to read to the visiting party. Some were able to read a book fluently, and with no inhibitions
Being joined for 2 days by some 80+ teacher-librarians from Lesotho schools
Sorting the un-loaded shipping container of boxes of books into the many schools assigned to receive them – joining some 40 people in a confined space to achieve this huge task in about 2 hours was amazing. We are pleased that B4L handles more manageable standard-sized boxes on pallets, and not by the container load!
The Thursday evening dinner and “cultural celebration”. Yes, there was an attempt at an Australian presentation (what does one do to “represent” our culture?) which was nothing compared with any African offering. I won’t comment on the US effort other than to say they had a lot of people joining in! For all that, Oz and USA have great bonds of friendship) It was an hilarious and memorable evening
Linking with key people for future developments, and linking them with the B4L partners.
ALP worked hard to make an impact in the community during the Summit, including media coverage. One newspaper report is reproduced at bottom of this newsletter
We found books in this amazing library (LithabanengPS) from 3 donors, including Books for Lesotho
Last school visited as part of the ALP Summit was Tikoe Primary School :
Conclusion from the ALP Summit: This was time well spent in meeting others especially people from Lesotho, learning that B4L and its partners do not work in Lesotho alone, that we share common objectives and the same problems, and that most of the books that are delivered are welcomed, highly prized and put to very good use.
Conclusion from our visit to Lesotho: This was a very timely visit in many ways; meeting the B4L partners, TRC and RCoMa, attending the ALP Summit, visiting schools with TRC and ALP, unpacking the ALP container of boxes of books, meeting (as we always seem to do) amazing local people who are doing everything they can to better themselves and the people of Lesotho and usually both of these at the same time. Providing books to establish libraries in schools, institutions and communities continues to be a way in which Australia can support them and the students who will follow with the same ideals – ideals which we hope to see become reality for each person. Thank you for your support of the wonderful project – now in its 14th year and packing the 17th shipment.
The 16nd shipment of books (7 pallets) to Lesotho since 2007 was completed on 4th December 2019 ready for shipping from The Barn very soon – booked for 11th December. It is the 14th shipment
to Transformation Resource Centre (TRC). 17,343 books will be distributed by
TRC early in 2020 to about 40 schools and youth institutions. The number of
books is a record for a 7-pallet shipment!
The Directors and Volunteers of Books for Lesotho thank all the donors for giving us the task of sorting and packing your books. They will end up in schools that otherwise have no (or very little) library resource.
2019/20 FINANCING
B4L is now seeking $13,604
by way of donations to cover shipment costs during 2019/20. To 30 November,
general donations totalled $4,350 ($4.928 at the same time last year). This
includes the regular donations from members of the Mitcham Exercise Group
totalling $484 ($550 last year).
YOU can make a difference by making a one-off donation or by setting up a monthly-giving plan (this method helps us with budgeting). Please donate via GiveNow by clicking on the website – it takes you to a secure on-line donation system which has a very low cost to us.
Monetary donations are only used to cover shipping costs from Australia to Lesotho; we do not purchase books.
How has your contribution helped B4L achieve the B4L aims?
Total books shipped to 30 June 2019
The number of books sent in
15 shipments to Lesotho since inception in 2007 is 155,932 being loaded on 74
pallets and at a shipping cost of $58,687 (excludes “running costs”).
(Graphs not updated to include the 2019 TRC shipment described above.)
A VOLUNTEER SPEAKS…
I am a
teacher who has always enjoyed learning and helping young people to learn. Much
of that learning has been by reading, often guided for a specific learning
experience but nothing beats the freedom of choosing a book out of interest and
for pleasure (as I now enjoy in retirement).
It is the
purpose of Books for Lesotho to provide a range of books for school libraries
in Lesotho so that students can choose books which are of interest to them, and
thereby enhance their capacity to learn.
A few
years back my wife Bev and I chatted with good friends David and Liz about
their wish to assist a librarian in Lesotho who had a dream of setting up
libraries in local schools that had limited resources. We happily offered a
little time to help them sort and pack in their garage the books they had
managed to source.
It is
wonderful to now see the scope of their operation as an incorporated body.
Thanks to the many schools and organisations and the people in them for
continuing to provide good quality fiction and non-fiction books of interest to
children of school age, and for the money that helps to send them. The children
in Lesotho and their teachers are most grateful. I like that David and Liz have
several times visited schools in Lesotho and seen the distribution of books in
practice.
Brian is centre-right with other volunteers, Rob, Liz and Ray
MORAL SUPPORT FROM OUR POLITICAL REPRESENTATIVES……
During October, Nat Cooke, State Member for Hurtle Vale visited The Barn in support of the volunteers (the current number of volunteers is 9). Like other visitors, Nat was very interested in the efficient process – from receiving the books through to despatch to Lesotho.
Nat Cooke MP and 7 B4L volunteers
My job
these days is to arrange books in groups of similar size for ready packing in
boxes by experienced master packer Ray! In doing so I do a cross check on the
quality and suitability of the previously sorted books for the intended age
group. Much of the fun is working and chatting with colleagues for a meaningful
purpose.
Brian Webber
Also, during October, we received this letter from Nicolle Flint MP, Federal Member for Boothby
Dear David. I am writing to congratulate you and your volunteers on the extraordinary shipment of 4 pallets of books to Lesotho in recent months. [The shipment was to the Rotary Club of Maloti.] You should be most proud of your achievements is 2019. I understand that you received several large donations from local schools, giving a big boost to your supplies, and enabling you to continue your wonderful work within our community. I feel very proud to have such inspiring residents in our community. I thank you for your ongoing contributions and service. I wish you all the very best in the year to come, and look forward to reading an update in your next newsletter. Yours sincerely Nicolle Flint MP
Keeping in the theme, Carolyn Power MP, State Member for Elder has her diary ready to book a visit early in 2020.
NEWS FROM THE BOARD and AGM – meetings held during November 2019
At the AGM, 3 retiring members of the Board were re-elected for 2-year terms. At the following meeting of the Board, David Linn was re-elected as Chairman and Wayne Turner as Treasurer.
THE BARN IS CLOSING FOR A BREAK
Last day for 2019 – 13 December. Re-opening – 22 January 2020 when we will be into packing for the Rotary Club of Maloti
Merry Christmas to you all – where ever you are in the world! May 2020 treat you well.Good reading!
The 2nd shipment of 4 pallets (11,087 books) destined for community and school projects conducted by the Rotary Club of Maloti (RCoMa) left our base at The Barn on 24th of May (image on the left).
The shipment of books arrived in Lesotho in early July2019. About that time I received the following email from a member of the Club, Ntate Victor Lechesa, who was overseeing the book project when the 1st shipment arrived.
He wrote:
Dear David Many thanks indeed for the very informative newsletter with exciting and encouraging information. We are looking forward to receiving the shipment and to proceed with the distribution and promise to do our best at all times to enhance the cooperation between our two organizations in the daunting task of providing service above self. Best regards Victor Lechesa
WHICH LEADS INTO AN UPDATE ON THE 2018/19 FINANCIAL RESULT – more good news!
We reported in the last newsletter that the Board approved sending the full shipment to the RCoMa even though a deficit was in sight. However, due to some wonderful extra donations we can report that a surplus has been achieved. The budget for 2018/19 was $15,029 (about 60c per book). Between 01 July 2018 and 30 June 2019, donations totalled $15,738.30, of which the Mitcham Exercise Group collected $1,167.60 ($1,192.15 last year). In addition, a grant of $10,000 was received from a private organisation, the Lang Foundation. This grant provides a wonderful basis for 2019/20 operations as we do not expect the same level of “normal” donations as was received in 2018/19. Thank you to all who have made a donation.
HOWEVER, THE 2019/20 FINANCING CONFRONTS US!!!
Equivalent of 4 pallets of books of the planned 7 destined for the Transformation Resource Centre (TRC) have been packed already with shipment due by year end. Please make your tax-deductable donation ASAP to help cover the cost. (Please refer to News from the Board on the following page.)
In Lesotho, both TRC and RCoMa have requested Lesotho Revenue Authority to allow B4L shipments to enter duty free – so far without success. Meanwhile, both organisations have advised that each will pay charges for customs clearance and any Lesotho duty – a wonderful contribution and a sign of their commitment to the project. This undertaking by TRC and RCoMa signifies an increase in the in-country commitment to the project as well as lightening the financial demand on Books for Lesotho Inc.
REMARKS ABOUT THE PROJECT
Liz and I have a wonderful friend in Lesotho, Nthatuoa, who work at TRC. She recently sent this encouraging message: “The book donation celebration was wonderful. The Principal Secretary from the Department of Basic Education and Training attended and gave a speech which I found to be very interesting. We thank you again and again, you and your Team members for the large annual shipment of books.”
Putting the needs of the people of Lesotho into an international context, I noted in a recent report from United Nations Development Program http://hdr.undp.org/en/2018-update that Lesotho is listed at 159 out of 189 countries on the Human Development Index. Surely this supports the in-country view that this is a “nation-building project”. (By the way, Australia comes in at number 3 on that list.)
SIGNIFICANT DONATION OF BOOKS DURING BOOK WEEK, AUGUST 2019
Immanuel College and Immanuel Primary School combined during Book Week to collect books from students and staff, all to be donated to Books for Lesotho. Resource Centre staffer, Sonia Antic helped when B4L volunteers David and Elizabeth Bleby and I picked up the books which were then delivered to The Barn. They were a wonderful selection of books; thank you all.
A VOLUNTEER SPEAKS… (A new section in the Newsletter)
I like books. I have always liked books. Friends assure me that the modern way to read is to download stories on to hand-held electronic devices, and while I can see the convenience of that, especially when you are travelling, I cannot warm to the practice. A book isn’t just a story: a book has a cover, and print, and a feel to it that the monotony of screens cannot reproduce. The exciting feel of a library, or the exquisite agony of having a voucher to buy a book in a shop, are feelings which have never left me. So I expect other people to enjoy books, and to discover other worlds through reading them. This is what I hope for Books for Lesotho. Liz told us a story about a boy from a very disadvantaged background who made unprecedented progress in his education and his career. When asked how he had managed it he said that he had read every book in the library when he was at school. I hope that the books which we select, pack and send to Lesotho will give the same opportunities to other children and that they, too, will always like books. Elizabeth Bleby
NEWS FROM THE BOARD – meeting held during August 2019
In the past 2 years, Books for Lesotho has held discussions with representatives of African Library Project (ALP) – https://www.africanlibraryproject.org/. ALP “coordinates book drives in the USA and partners with African Schools and villages to start small libraries”. Lesotho is one of those countries. Within the project, ALP includes the training teachers in the care and use of the books in their libraries. Each year ALP holds a “summit” which assembles a limited number of delegates from each the countries involved. The next summit is being held in Lesotho in March 2020. The Board agreed to sponsor part of the budget specifically directed to the 2-day library training session for 100 Lesotho teachers – part of the summit. B4L made an extra appeal to a limited number of B4L supporters who donated sufficient funds to cover catering costs for 100 teachers (M14,000/@ 9.35 = $1,500). The support offered has been warmly welcomed by ALP.
The 2019/20 Budget was approved. It allows for the “normal” 11 pallets for books to be sent to Lesotho over the 12 months and assumes all in-Lesotho costs will be paid by TRC and RCoMa, as appropriate. B4L is now seeking $13,604 by way of donations in 2019/20.
The Board noted that the B4L Facebook had been updated with the Website update underway.
BOOK DONATIONS ARE NEEDED
Books for Lesotho Inc. welcomes donations of suitable books at any time. There is an on-going need for books (fiction and non-fiction) at Years 7 to 10 levels (or ages 12 to 14) – they are always in short supply.
Monetary donations are used to cover shipping costs from Australia to Lesotho; we do not purchase books.
The 12th shipment of books to the Transformation Resource Centre (TRC) in Lesotho was celebrated at TRC at a ceremony on 23 May 2019. 16,880 books were distributed to 15 primary schools, 39 high schools, a community library and the Juvenile Training Centre in Maseru. Several boxes in the shipment were sent to community organisations needing books to support their local program including in Morija, a youth drop-in centre and an art school both in Morija and Lesotho Child Counselling Unit at Mazenod. Image left shows the boxes being unloaded at TRC.
The 2nd shipment of 4 pallets (11,087 books) destined for community and school projects conducted by the Rotary Club of Maloti left The Barn on 24th of May (image on the left).
WHICH LEADS INTO AN UPDATE ON THE 2018/19FINANCIAL POSITION – with more good news!
We reported in the last newsletter that the Board approved sending the full shipment to the Rotary Club of Maloti (RCoMa) even though a deficit was in sight. However, due to some wonderful extra donations we can report that a surplus has been achieved. The budget for 2018/19 was $15,029 (about 60c per book). Between 01 July 2018 and 30 June 2019, donations totalled $15,738.30 of which, the Mitcham Exercise Group collected $1,167.60 ($1,192.15 last year). In addition, a grant of $10,000 was received from a private organisation, the Lang Foundation. This grant provides a wonderful basis for 2019/20 operations as we do not expect the same level of “normal” donations as was experienced in 2018/19.
Thank you to all who have made a donation this financial year.
In Lesotho, both TRC and RCoMa have requested Lesotho Revenue Authority allow B4L shipments to enter duty free – so far without success. Meanwhile, both organisations have advised that each will pay charges for customs clearance and any Lesotho duty – a wonderful contribution and a sign of their commitment to the project. This undertaking by TRC and RCoMa signifies an increase in the in-country commitment to the project as well as lightening the financial load on Books for Lesotho Inc..
REMARKS ABOUT THE PROJECT
David and Liz have a wonderful friend in Lesotho, Nthatuoa, who happens to work at TRC. She recently sent this encouraging message: “The book donation celebration was wonderful. The Principal Secretary from the Department of Basic Education and Training attended and gave a speech which I found to be very interesting. We thank you again and again, you and your Team members for the large annual shipment of books.”
Putting the needs of the people of Lesotho into an international context, I noted in a recent report from United Nations Development Program (http://hdr.undp.org/en/2018-update) that Lesotho is listed at 159 out of 189 countries on the Human Development Index. Surely this supports the in-country view that this is a “nation-buildingproject”. (By the way, Australia comes in at number 3.)
NEWS FROM THE BARN
The Barn operates with 8 volunteers each Wednesday morning, although with holidays, house moving and the odd illness that “oldies” seem to attract, and toadd the endless lunches and morning teas that some of our number give as an excuse to be absent, we are sometimes down to 3!
We had help for 2 sessions from Nadia Clancy, who was at the time the Labor candidate for Boothby. The image shows Nadia sorting books at The Barn with regular volunteer Jill Read. We hope we will see Nadia again.
NEWS FROM THE BOARD
At the May meeting of the Board, Meg Coupland resigned due to a family issue. The Board accepted the resignation with great regret. At the same meeting, Caillan Williams was co-opted to fill the vacant position. We welcome Caillan to the Board.
BOOK DONATIONS ARE NEEDED
Books for Lesotho Inc. welcomes donations of suitable books at any time. There is an on-going need for books (fiction and non-fiction) at Year 7 to Year 10 level (or ages 12 to 14) – they continue to be in short supply.
Monetary donations are used to cover shipping costs from Australia to Lesotho; we do not purchase books.
We have new premises for our operations – well, not really, it is the location that has a NEW NAME – Pasadena High School is no more; from the start of the new school year it has been named…………
With a new motto, Igniting Inquisitive Imagination, it is off to a new life!
Books for Lesotho wishes the school community a great future under the new name and operating with renewed vigour. Based on the experience some of us had at annual Presentation Ceremony (see below), the spirit in the school is alive and well, and it deserves to thrive.
RECOGNITION BY PASADENA HIGH SCHOOL
Well, at the time, December 2018, it was still so called (see above).
David and Liz Linn and Rob Langley (pictured sporting the trophy with School Principal, Ms Wendy House) attended the ceremony at the inviation of the school, and were amazed when Books for Lesotho Inc. was awarded “Valued Volunteer”. We are pleased to be warmly welcomed users of The Barn, courtesy of The School.
CLOSED FOR A “BREAK”
The Barn was closed during January to allow volunteers to have a break. Even so, there was still a lot going on over the period: books were still being delivered by arrangement, and the 2019 shipment for Transformation Resource Centre (7 pallets/116 boxes/16,880 books) left The Barn. The shipment arrived at TRC on 15th March 2019 – another triumph for B4L and our shipping agents; thank you.
BOOK DONATIONS
I have written previously that B4L receives donations of books from too many sources to be able to list and thank each one here. One of the most prolific donors is the Lions Club of Glenunga Bookmart. During February David and Liz collected a large number of boxes; Lions Club member Yee Cheng Leong helped with the loading.
REMARKS ABOUT THE PROJECT
The source of inspiration for Books for Lesotho Inc. came from ‘Me Mosa Muso who was Librarian atTransformation Resource Centre (TRC) when David and Liz visited Lesotho in 2006. It is Mosa who had the dream to establish a library in every school in the country. Below, Mosa is pictured with her husband in Welcom, South Africa. After reading the December Newsletter, Mosa sent the following message:
Seasons greetings. I read with great interest the newsletter which I would like to receive as long as you publish it. It’s very informative concerning the events that eventually lead to the arrival of the books at TRC. I would like to give my thanks to these individuals who sacrifice their time for Lesotho children. There is something that indeed fascinates me that is your continuous support to collect the books at the same time fundraising. Please let these energy never stop until all schools understand the importance of reading. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2019! Regards
Mosa
The Lesotho Child Counselling Unit in Mazenod shelters children needing support. LCCU has received books from B4L.’Me Lydia Muso, who is the founder and key worker (the “mother” of the house), sent us these images.
HOW ARE THE BOOKS USED?
he Lesotho Child Counselling Unit in Mazenod shelters children needing support. LCCU has received books from B4L.’Me Lydia Muso, who is the founder and key worker (the “mother” of the house), sent us these images.
IS IT WORTH THE EFFORT AND COST?
I read an on-line sponsored article in InDaily on 23 Jan 2019. What caught my eye was:
“Here are some things we know:
Our attentions function differently in the contemporary era and we need to work both with and against thatfact in order to ensure we can benefit from the cognitive reward of reading long-form text.
Reading is a skill that uses the brain as a muscle and this can be exercised and trained. Just because we find itdifficult to read Middlemarch doesn’t mean it always has to be this way. Every difficult activity can benefitfrom building up, training, practicing and not giving up.
The benefits of long form, immersive reading on the brain, the imagination, creative capacity, empathy, on the intellect, are significant and should be sought out.
As with other exercises, we form habits by making choices and sticking with them. Committing to reading when we are distracted by other claims on our attention is something we can develop.
Persevering with reading even when it is challenging has significant cognitive pay-offs. This must be balanced with the idea that finding the right book for the right person is the most important thing.
When students start a university degree, they need to be ready for the challenge of reading works that aren’t designed to grab them, to have hooks, to be “relatable”
From: Why students need to be good readers, by Kate Douglas, Professor of English and Dr Tully Barnett, Lecturer in Creative Enterprise both at Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia
NEWS FROM THE BOARD
At the February meeting of the Board, Deane Kemp tendered his resignation as a Director. Deane joined the Board in June 2016 and has made a significant contribution in that position. Thank you, Deane.Mr Rob Langley (a key volunteer at The Barn) was co-opted to fill the vacancy. Ms Meg Coupland had offered her services to B4L and the Board co-opted her to fill one other vacant position. We welcome each of you to the Board.
BOOK DONATIONS ARE NEEDED – AS FOLLOWS:
Books for Lesotho Inc. welcomes donations of suitable books at any time. There is a pressing need for books (fiction and non-fiction) at Year 7 to Year 10 level (or ages 12 to 14) – they continue to be in short supply.
Monetary donations are used to cover shipping costs from Australia to Lesotho; we do not purchase books.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
The budget for 2018/19 is $15,029 (about 60c per book). Between 01 July 2018 and 20 March 2019, donations total $13,811, of which, the Mitcham Exercise Group has collected $773 (to end of February.)
The Board recently approved sending the 4th pallet (now being packed) to the Rotary Club of Maloti (RCoMa) even though it potentially places us in a deficit position this year. However, we are now only $1,200 short of covering the annual budget; can you help us meet the target before 30 June?
Thank you to all who have made a donation this financial year.
In Lesotho, both TRC and RCoMa have requested Lesotho Revenue Authority to allow B4L shipments to enter duty free – so far without success. Meanwhile, both TRC and RCoMa have advised that each will pay Lesotho duty (if applicable) and charges for customs clearance – a wonderful contribution and a sign of commitment to the project .
Please note that while B4L has changed its official address, at the time of writing this is still a construction site!! If you are intending to visit us other than at The Barn, please contact David on 0418 877 112 to make the arrangement.
CLOSING FOR A BREAK
Please note that The Barn will not be open to accept deliveries from noon on 19 December until 9.30am on 30 January 2019. We can take a break because of the rate of sorting and packing!!
Should anyone need to contact B4L over the break, please do so by email or contact David on 0418 877 112
THIS IS WHAT WE ARE ABOUT
FINANCIAL UPDATE
The budget for 2018/19 is $15,029 (about 60c per book). Since 01 July 2018, donations total $4,928. Of that, the Mitcham Exercise Group has collected $550 since 1 July 2018 compared with $557 last year – a wonderful effort. If you do the sum you will note that we need about $10,000 more before 30 June 2019 to break-even The Board has prudently resolved that the shipment to Transformation Resource Centre (7 pallets, packed and ready) will be shipped during January, but the next 4 pallets being packed now for the Rotary Club of Maloti will only be shipped if funds are available. There is our challenge.
BOOKS DONATIONS
Books for Lesotho receives books from many sources – Thank you all. We need supplies of books at Year 7 – Year 10 (or ages 12 to 14) level – they are always in short supply.
VOLUNTEERS
They don’t want to be recognised, so if you think you know one of these great people, you must be wrong! Needless to say, without this dedicated band (plus 2 missing from the images) the donations of books and cash would be futile. Thank you to this great group. Thank you Pasadena High School for your on-going support through the use of The Barn
CHRISTMAS AND ALL THAT!
From Books for Lesotho Inc. to you, wherever you are in the world, have a great Christmas and may 2019 be kind to you and your family. David Linn Chairman, Books for Lesotho Inc.
In the last Newsletter, Books for Lesotho appealed for help to cover the deficit for the financial year in which we shipped 25,776 books in 2 shipments to Lesotho. The “good” extra costs came because we shipped 12,504 more books than last year, while the “bad” costs were due to higher transport charges.
Throughout the year, donors gave generously to achieve the final result for 2017/18: Donations $13,957; Expenses $14,632 – a pleasing result after several financial scares during the year.
The Mitcham Exercise Group collected $1,192.15 over the 2017/18 financial year, mostly in small donations over the period. What a stupendous effort.
The budget for 2018/19 is $15,029 (about 60c per book). We have already received 3 significant donations, including ongoing support from the Rotary Club of Mitcham. Thank you all for your support.
BOOKS DONATIONS
Books for Lesotho receives books from many sources; private, charity and commercial second-hand bookshops, council libraries, schools and publishers Wiley Jacaranda and MacMillan. Thank you all – you are “too many” to list. We acknowledge especially the charity book outlets – Rotary Club of Mitcham and Glenside Lions.
INNOVATIVE COLLECTION EFFORTS
A CONTRIBUTION FROM THE U.S.A.
Ryan Casper and Anne Pechanek are on the staff at Ellsworth High School in Wisconsin, USA. They have supported a student undertaking her required school service project after she selected to collect and send books to Lesotho. The books have been shipped directly to Maliba Lodge for schools in their area – schools which are already part of the B4L scheme. Liz and I met Ryan and his wife Melinda when both couples were staying at Maliba Lodge – and here is the result!!
Congratulations to Maya for a great project and a huge result. Below you can see Maya and Ryan with 28 boxes, and left, the loaded pallet.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CHILD TURNS ONE YEAR OLD?? HERE IS AN ANSWER
Cynthia contacted B4L to check out an idea she had; to invite people attending Jasmine’s first birthday party to donate a book rather than give a gift. We encouraged her and have now received the donated books. Cynthia sent images (I could not bring myself to delete any) along with these words:
I honestly believe that reading is one of the most important ingredients to becoming all that you can be. I volunteered in Ethiopia at a primary school in 2013 and nothing compares to the smiles on a child’s face when they read/are read their favourite book. Reading not only helps you become a better student, but a better person. Doing our bit to help establish a children’s library in Lesotho, just seemed like a wonderful thing to do for my first born’s first birthday. Margaret Fuller once said “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity.
Thank you, Cynthia and Jasmine and your donors. The children in Lesotho will also say, “Thank you”.
AS IF YOU NEED AN EXCUSE TO DRESS UP!!
“Book Week at Elwood College was very successful this year. We had fun dressing up as book characters but we also wanted to use our Book Week to raise awareness about underprivileged young people in Lesotho. We organised and presented posters, placed donation boxes in the library and asked students and staff to bring any unwanted books from their home. Staff and students participated, donated books in excellent condition. It is with pleasure that I can report we collected 6 boxes with around 240 books.
“We hope we can set a good example and encourage other schools to organise similar events. Hopefully all the books we’ve collected will be useful and relevant. We are looking forward to cooperating again with “Books for Lesotho” in near future.
“Monia Ibralic (Librarian, Elwood College)”
NEWS RECEIVED FROM LESOTHO THIS WEEK:
“The Transformation Resource Centre (TRC) through its Library in the Information and Communications Department donated books to selected 15 primary schools, 24 high schools and 1 community library found in Maseru, Mafeteng, Leribe, Botha-Bothe and Mokhotlong. This annual occasion was hosted at TRC premises on the 13th September 2018.
“The project goal is to promote habitual readership culture and literacy amongst students through the establishment of mini libraries. This generous book donation project has been carried out successfully through the Books for Lesotho support. The books will be donated to schools for a five year period with the hope that it is sufficient for the schools to collect an adequate supply of books enabling them to attain the envisioned libraries. This year the TRC distributed 103 cartons of reading books to foster a love for reading.
“Present at the distribution ceremony: Chairperson of the TRC Board, TRC Director and staff members, Principals from schools in TRC project sites, Teachers who will be in charge of libraries, Student representatives, a representative from African Library Project, and Media representatives.
“The schools showed an understanding of the project vision; they expressed their views and perceptions and appreciated their roles to make it a success. Students were encouraged to develop a culture of reading and were excited to receive the books.
“The schools also signed contracts making a commitment to ensure the project becomes a success. It was also agreed that a monitoring template will be developed to guide schools on the operation of a library, the impact and their progress. The schools will also undergo training to enhance their librarianship skills.”
Contributor: Ms Likopo K. J Mokhele, Information Officer, TRC Information and Resource Centre Department
Thank you Pasadena High School for your on-going support through the use of The Barn
