Book Mules Unite!

During our lovely UK summer, our (my) obsession was to acquire a vast collection of board books, storybooks & phonics readers for the new Mobile Library* project in Gulu, (for more details see Jody's accompanying article 'Sounds Like a Plan'). As a result, we have become expert book scavengers, scroungers and bargain hunters.

Thanks to several local schools having a timely restock/ 'throw out' over the summer, many kind individuals and endless charity shop visits up and down the UK, we were able to bring out over 100kg of books as new library stock - that is just over 500 books! There is even another 50kg coming out with our kind 'book mules' (aka Phil and Michèle Ball), later this term. TIA (Thank you In Advance), Mr and Mrs B! 

You might well be thinking, how does it make sense to bring out books from the UK to Uganda? This is a very fair question as books are undoubtedly bulky and heavy.  ServeDirect already buys very many books within Uganda, by Ugandan children's writers and using local publishers. These are culturally appropriate and also follow the Uganda-specific 'Fun of Phonics' programme, devised by the lovely people at 'READ for Life' in Gulu. 

However, selected books from the UK are specifically chosen to add extra colour, variety and broader content, not to mention that they are all either donated or second-hand. It is a relatively cost-effective way to add to the library stock - and these books are not available in Uganda. Costs are kept down by only using existing baggage allowances and having very nice friends to help out when they come to visit. Thanks to you all - you know who you are! 

PS If you have any intention of visiting at all over the next year, be warned. We already have our eye on your empty bags and assume you will only need a toothbrush and a few essentials for yourselves....! 

*Mobile Libraries* are ingenious mini book-cupboards which ServeDirect loans to primary schools in the Gulu area of northern Uganda. Each library holds around 400 books.These enable children to access books & increase literacy, in under-resourced Gulu schools, where there are rarely any appropriate children’s books. It’s a simple & effective solution and is already 'hitting the spot'.