High School Students from Toyama Donate English Books to South Africa

This summer, a remarkable project was undertaken by a group of high school girls from Toyama Prefecture. In collaboration with NPO SAPESI-Japan, officially known as the South African Primary Education Support Initiative, they initiated a donation campaign to send English children's books to South Africa. This inspiring initiative stemmed from the aspirations of one student, who wanted to help bridge the educational gap faced by many children in South Africa.

The student mobilized her peers at school, leading the student council in an engaging book collection and fundraising activity. Their hard work paid off — they collected a variety of unused English picture books and children's literature, ultimately amassing an impressive total of 250 books. Equally important was their fundraising effort to cover shipping costs, which raised over 42,000 yen.

The donated books were packed into three boxes and sent by sea to SAPESI’s headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa. Once received, the books will be distributed to mobile library units that will travel to public elementary schools, ensuring they reach children in need.

SAPESI expresses significant hope for such autonomous international cooperation activities led by young generations. They extend heartfelt thanks to the initiating student and everyone else who contributed to this meaningful cause.

About the Mobile Library Project in South Africa

The Mobile Library Project aims to provide access to books for children in South Africa, where resources are scarce. Through traveling library units, it seeks to increase children's reading opportunities and improve literacy and comprehension skills. Used library vehicles are transferred from Japan and shipped to South Africa, where they are donated to the Ministry of Education in various provinces.

The provincial education departments are responsible for securing librarians, drivers, and operating budgets to ensure these mobile libraries can circulate through public elementary schools that lack adequate resources. SAPESI South Africa will oversee and support the operation of these mobile units, further enhancing literacy among children who need books the most.

About SAPESI-Japan

Established in December 2008, SAPESI-Japan is the Japanese sister organization of NPO SAPESI, which was founded in South Africa in August 2006. The Japanese counterpart focuses on initiatives such as sending mobile library units from Japan to South Africa, further emphasizing the importance of education and access to reading materials.

This project not only showcases the power of youth-led initiatives but also highlights the global community's commitment to improving education for children everywhere, ultimately fostering a brighter future for the next generation.