“Congratulations on your wisdom and far-sightedness in doing this. The project has been hugely successful from what we hear, probably beyond your dreams, and taking this step [of forming an official organisation] will enable Books for Lesotho to move up a notch. Well done good and faithful servants. It has been a privilege to play a small part as financial contributors, and we would like to continue that.”
PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM DAVID AND LIZ
The words we used in Newsletter #2, 2016 confused some people. We sent out an email to clarify the situation. However, to be certain our supporters understand what has happened we repeat the message.
We are still VERY involved in the Books for Lesotho project – we are both on the Board and still the main drivers of the project. The new organisation has been formed for many reasons. Key points are:
To formalise what has been a private project thereby placing it on a proper governance basis, which has the result that:
As we stated last time: “We hope this clears things up. If you are unsure, please contact us, as we want to retain your support as the project grows.” Thank you!
NEWS FROM LESOTHO
The good news from Daniel at Maliba Lodge in northern Lesotho is: “Yes, three weeks it snowed and tomorrow (8th July) as per weather forecast, we are expecting cold current. Means it might snow.” For a country that depends on snow to produce water for sale to South Africa together with the consequent hydro-power to sell too, this is great news after last year’s drought. Thanks, Daniel for the report.
Daniel, on left, collects books from TRC for Maliba area,
from Librarian, Seithati Mokhomo and helper. (2014)
SHIPMENT FOR 2016
The annual shipment for 2016 is the first under the Books for Lesotho new name. As reported last time, the first pallet of 15 boxes was packed during April at our partners, South Pacific School Aid. In our own “shed”, we have almost completed packing the second pallet, another 15 boxes. The latter included books sourced from the annual Westminster School Fair, Mitcham Library Service and from two of our new Used-Bookshop partners. In return, we have donated to them suitable books that don’t meet our requirements. We now have 3 bookshop partners – they are listed under “Our Friends” on our website. Please support them.
We remind you that we plan to ship at least 7 pallets this year (including one pallet from Melbourne). This is the last shipment of the second 5-year cycle of distributions by Transformation Resource Centre (TRC), our partner in Lesotho. Next year, TRC will select a new group to start libraries in their schools.
DEVELOPING OUR COMMUNITY AND DIGITAL PRESENCE
June and July have been great months. Books for Lesotho Inc. was recognised as a Charity by Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC) and last week was advised by the Australian Taxation Office of endorsement as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). The latter allows donors to claim their contributions of $2 or more as a tax-deduction.
By the end of this week we expect that you will be able to donate directly through our website using booksforlesotho.org/donate. The service, “DonateNow” is operated by www.OurCommunity.com.au.
Digital Presence
Our website, booksforlesotho.org, has been developed further; we intend to include more news from schools and organisations that have received books. However, we must remember that communications in many parts of Lesotho are still limited, so this might take a while to develop.
Please like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/booksforlesotho, and feel free to make comments on our Facebook page or on the website.
PLAN FOR SCHOOLS
We have prepared materials suitable for use in those schools that elect to conduct a book drive in support of the project. We intend to invite financial support based on the costs of getting the donated book to Lesotho.
One idea is to promote “A Book and A Buck”. Based on 2015 costs, we need up 50c/book to cover the packing and shipping costs.
We are seeking sponsors to help cover printing costs for the publicity material for use in schools. Please contact us if you are able to assist or if you want to know more.
WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW?
Give books – We are accepting fiction and non-fiction books (new or used – but only in good condition) suitable for first readers up to Year 12 level. Look here for detailed information.
Donate – To our bank account: Books for Lesotho Inc. at Westpac Banking Corporation (Australia), BSB 035-044 Account No: 228285. Please include your family name with the transfer and also advise us by email. Look out for the launch of the “GIVE NOW” direct giving system.
Space – We are looking for a home – at a minimum of 12m x 20m but with some special access needs. Please make contact if you can help, even with an idea!
Sincerely,
The Board, Books For Lesotho Inc.
“This is the 3rd time our Home received this valuable donation of books. Our Home has an improved library due to this assistance. The children at the St. Angela Home were involved in the unpacking and displaying of books. Their involvement with those books has greatly helped them to develop interest in reading books. It is true that there are some of them who are difficult to be convinced that reading is the best hobby that one can adopt or develop. However, we are working hard to encourage them to start reading for fun that will then become progressive.
We wish your organisation all the best so that it continues the good work it is doing towards Basotho children’s education. We started very small with few text books but now we are growing bigger and better with your assistance. May the sky only be the limit.”
Image: Sefate sa Bophelo Primary School students receive books from the 2015 shipment
Books for Lesotho Board Members Liz, David, and Niav, along with long-term project-supporter Fiona, were in Lesotho at the time of the distribution in March, 2016. They visited several schools with staff from our Lesotho-based partner Transformation Resource Centre. There were some amazing scenes as the enthusiasm for the books was expressed by students. It was uplifting to see the progress most schools have made over their four years of receiving books for a library. Many schools had well-developed libraries, using the books in class or for individual reading.
Some schools allowed books to go home with students, thereby spreading their use and exposing families to reading for pleasure. Other schools are developing community libraries. All these developments are inspiring and encouraging for our donors and volunteers.
We also met Daniel and his team from Maliba Lodge when they came to TRC to collect the one pallet in the shipment which had come from Melbourne for distribution to schools in their valley in the north of Lesotho.
STOP PRESS – REPORT FROM LESOTHO: Public Eye Online reports on the latest book distribution with a great story and photos! Click on the link: NEWS
Since the formation of Books for Lesotho Inc. on 06 December 2015 some significant things have happened …
SHIPMENT FOR 2016:
The annual shipment this year will be the first under the new organisation. On Friday 29 April, packing the first pallet of 15 boxes for 5 primary schools was completed at our partners, South Pacific School Aid. In our own “shed”, we have finished sorting the books that were donated from the annual Westminster School Fair. We have added the suitable ones to donations from other sources, including those recognised under “Our Friends” on our website.
We plan to ship at least 7 pallets this year, it being the last of the second 5-year cycle of distributions by our partner in Lesotho, Transformation Resource Centre (TRC). Next year a new group of schools will be selected to start a library.
DIGITAL PRESENCE:
Our website, booksforlesotho.org, has been launched. Please have a look!
We also have a Facebook page: www.facebook.com./booksforlesotho. Please have a look and “Like” us.
GOVERNANCE:
Books for Lesotho Inc. now has an ABN and TFN and a bank account. An opportunity to donate via the website and using a credit card will be available soon. We have applied for DGR status which will allow donors to claim tax-deductibility for their contributions. We will advise you of any change in our status.
OUR PLANS:
Currently we are preparing materials suitable for use in those schools that elect to conduct a book drive in support of the project. We intend to invite financial support based on the costs of getting the donated book to Lesotho. One idea is to promote “A Book and A Buck” (we need about 30c/book to cover the shipment costs – see below).
VISIT TO LESOTHO IN MARCH
Founders and Board Members, David and Liz, together with daughter, Fiona, and grand-daughter Niav (who is also a member of the Board) visited Lesotho. The visit coincided with the annual book distribution by TRC. This year TRC visited schools to deliver the books and look at their use in the school. It was a great experience for the four, even though David and Liz had made such visits previously. Check out the images and videos here.
INVITATION TO A PROJECT PRESENTATION:
In January, David and Liz hosted two opportunities to hear first-hand from them about the project and to share with them some of the time they have spent in Lesotho. They will host another session at their home in Mitcham SA, on Monday 27 June 2016 commencing at 7.30 pm. Bookings are essential due to limited space. Please book using linnd@bigpond.net.au or 08 83731224.
WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW?
GIVE BOOKS – We are accepting fiction and non-fiction books (new or used – but only in good condition) suitable for first readers up to Year 12 level. Information on what is suitable and what is not can be found here.
DONATE – Donations can be made through our bank account: please note your name and advise us by email (until we develop an automatic system). Banking details: Books for Lesotho Inc. Westpac Banking Corporation (Australia), BSB 035-044 Account No: 228285
SPONSORSHIP – We are seeking sponsors to help cover printing costs for publicity material for use in schools (see OUR PLANS above). Please contact us if you want to know more.
FINANCIALS:
Record of the project (pre-Incorporation ) is shown in the following table and related information.
| YEAR OF SHIPMENT | NUMBER OF BOOKS | NUMBER OF PALLETS | DONATION
INCOME |
TOTAL COST | COST/ PALLET | COST/ BOOK |
| 2007 | 4,700 | 4 | $2,907 | $2,847 | $712 | 60.6c |
| 2008 | 6,406 | 3 | $2,207 | $2,109 | $703 | 32.9c |
| 2009 | 8,344 | 3 | $3,315 | $3,221 | $1073 | 38.6c |
| 2010 | 9,431 | 5 | $3,717 | $3,186 | $743 | 33.8c |
| 2011 | 12,469 | 6 * | $4,005 | $4,618 | n.a. | n.a. |
| 2011 | Our books only | 5.45 (est) | n.a. | $3,938 | $723 | 31.6c |
| 2012 | 11,598 | 6 | $4,111 | $3,919 | $653 | 33.8c |
| 2013 | 7,344 | 5 | $4,343 | $3,683 | $737 | 50.1c |
| 2014 | 12,340 | 6 | $4,795 | $5,143 ** | n.a. | n.a. |
| 2014 | Our books only | 6 | n.a. | $3,977 | $663 | 32.2c |
| 2015 | 16,285 | 7 | $4,680 | $3,980 | $569 | 28.8c |
* including 10 computers
** including purchase of 140 books from Help Lesotho (Canada)
TOTAL INCOME FROM DONATIONS = $34,078
TOTAL COST OF PROJECT TO JANUARY 2016 = $32,706
(2015 figures include estimates of donations and the costs of shipping 2015 consignment)
PROJECT SURPLUS TO DATE = $1,372 (Will be donated to Books for Lesotho Inc.)
TOTAL NUMBER OF BOOKS TO DATE = 88,917
(plus 10 computers, wall posters, various board games (and the like), jigsaw puzzles, pens, pencils, rulers, staplers, blank paper, exercise books, folders, and for filling spaces, issues of National Geographic, Australian Geographic and tennis balls!)
The cost breakdown for the 2014 shipment:
Durban to Maseru (wharf costs, duty, transport and agency fee) = $3,044
THE CHALLENGE:
The challenge for Books for Lesotho is to bring to reality the dreams David and Liz have. They are still wondering whether the project can develop into “A Library in Every Primary School in Lesotho”! As there are 2,500 Primary and 250 Secondary/High schools, meeting this dream will depend on ongoing and increased public support. We trust that you will continue to support “Books for Lesotho Inc.” Please ask if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
The Board, Books For Lesotho Inc.
We are pleased to announce the formation of Books for Lesotho Inc. on 06 December 2015.
For many years the project to assist Transformation Resource Centre (TRC) in Lesotho to establish libraries in schools in that country has been conducted directly by David and Liz Linn. The project has grown and has the ability to grow further by opening to the wider community. Therefore, the decision was made to establish a new organisation to carry on the work. A constitution has been approved (you may request a copy) and a Board of Directors appointed.
The Board of Books for Lesotho Inc. comprises:
The Board has applied to the ATO for Income Tax exemption and Deductible Gift Recipient status (for tax-deductable donations). Promotional materials are being drafted including materials suitable for supporting book drives in schools. Books are already being sourced from schools in Melbourne and the intention is to extend this. A school district in USA is actively canvassing how to be involved in the project. This is a very exciting development. The Board will shortly seek sponsorship for the work.
In Lesotho, TRC is actively reviewing the in-country processes. Direct discussions will be held in March 2016 with TRC at about the time the 2015 shipment is being distributed to schools.
The challenge for the Board results from David and Liz still wondering whether the project can develop into “A Library in Every Primary School in Lesotho”! As there are 2,500 Primary and 250 Secondary/High schools, meeting this dream will depend on ongoing and increased public support. We trust that you will continue to support “Books for Lesotho Inc.” Please ask if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
The Board, Books For Lesotho Inc.