#Japan #Minato-ku #Children's Books #SAPESI #Pretoria University

Book Donation from Pretoria University to SAPESI-Japan

On October 30, 2025, SAPESI-Japan (located in Minato-ku, Tokyo, chaired by Kenichi Ikedazawa) announced they have received a generous donation of children's books from a group of students at the prestigious University of Pretoria, South Africa. This collection of books will be utilized in the "Mobile Library Project" supported by the SAPESI headquarters in South Africa.

The donation initiative was spearheaded by Lizelle Gordon, a student from the Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria and representative of the student organization, "The Inkligs Society." This active group has been collecting English-language literature to donate to SAPESI since 2024 and has contributed numerous excellent books for this cause.

Gordon expressed heartfelt sentiments regarding the donation, stating, "SAPESI's activities are precisely what South Africa needs right now, and I am sincerely delighted that the books we have gathered will contribute to this effort."

At SAPESI-Japan, each book received, regardless of quantity, is approached with dedicated respect to the caring thoughts and support behind it. The organization extends its gratitude for this warm cooperation.

The donated English children's books will soon be transported via the Mobile Library, reaching children across South Africa. This initiative is crucial for enhancing literacy and reading skills among children in the country, where access to books is limited.

About the Mobile Library Project

The Mobile Library Project aims to deliver books to South African children through mobile library vehicles, addressing the critical need for literacy resources. By repurposing used library vehicles from Japan, which have completed their roles domestically, SAPESI ensures they are donated to provincial education departments in South Africa. Each department secures the necessary funding for librarians and drivers and facilitates the operation, allowing these mobile libraries to visit public elementary schools.

SAPESI South Africa plays an essential role in supporting these educational activities on the ground.

About SAPESI-Japan

Established in December 2008 as the Japanese counterpart of the South African Primary Education Support Initiative (SAPESI), which was founded in South Africa in 2006, SAPESI-Japan has been actively involved in sending mobile library vehicles. Their ongoing work aims to support primary education and improve access to learning resources for children in South Africa.

For more information about SAPESI's efforts and projects, please visit their website.