Books For Africa
As part of our organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme and through the proceeds of our recycling initiatives, we have set up a new venture to send used textbooks to developing countries where there is an acute shortage of books to help with numeracy and literacy. The first of several containers left the UK for Africa toward the end of November and will be followed by similar numbers every few weeks until we reach our target.
Over the next five years we aim to send up to three million books.
Most children in Africa have never owned a textbook. In many classrooms a single textbook might be shared by as many as twenty pupils.
“Primary school enrolments and literacy rates in Africa are among the lowest in the world. 42 million school children in Sub-Saharan Africa are not enrolled in school. Many children cannot afford to go or to stay in primary school.” - Fact Sheet: Africa Education Initiative. – The White House, June 2002
First Book Consignment
The first consignment of books was given a huge send off in London in the presence of Ambassador Dozie Nwanna, Deputy Nigerian High Commissioner, Dr Eric Uzoalor representing Amb. Ralph Uwechue, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ngozi Njoku Director General Imo Foundation and Donatus Ozoemena, Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, both representing the Imo State Government, as well as the full complement of Choice staff who had worked tirelessly to collect, sort and pack the books.
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