Help Support New Libraries in Swaziland

“The library is a good place to spend time in. I say this because of the books that are intresting (sic). For the library to be opened is good for all of us. In reading the books it gives your mind some new words and other vocabulary sentences. There are books that you will read them for fun and some for knowledge. Do not be indifferent in reading books. Good luck, happy reading.” Form 1 student (equivalent of US grade 8)

The new library at our local high school has been a phenomenal success. The photos in this posting show Mcebo helping to register the new books

and students enjoying the new library.

Hundreds of books have been checked out since the library opened in June. One Form 1 student often checks out a new book each day. The teachers tell us they have seen a definite improvement in their students' exams and writing skills. Recently, a Form 3 girl was jumping up and down at the excitement of finding a book she wanted to read. We have several book clubs going affording us an opportunity to work directly with small groups of students. The High School received some books that were too young for those students, so we brought 3 boxes to the local primary school that lacks a library; whenever we bring a “box library” into classes at the primary school, the students eagerly swarm, delighted at the chance to read a book. At recess the students beg us to read to them.

This year Katherine (with Mark's help) is part of the Peace Corps' Books for Africa Swaziland Committee helping volunteers start 30 new libraries around the country. (We will not apply for a new library in our community this year.) The books are donated, but volunteers must raise half the shipping costs, this year $7617.

We are requesting readers of this blog to donate to Books For Africa to support our efforts and bring the joy of reading to the young people in Swaziland. We are convinced that improved English will help these students move from dependent poverty to becoming self-supporting citizens. The link to donate is:  https://donate.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=donate.contribute.projDetail&projdesc=15-645-001

Please make sure you include your name with the donation. The default for this site seems to be “anonymous”, and we were not able properly to thank many of you who donated last year.

We are well into our second and last year as Peace Corps volunteers. There have been many highs and some lows. Our work with libraries is one of our proudest efforts. Please help us continue this work.

We wish a happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and family who are following our blog.

Katherine and Mark