Books For Hope
Books for Hope started as an adventure into Tanzania. While visiting Cate, a dedicated Peace Corps volunteer working with HIV/AIDS in the Njombe region, I was welcomed into a truly amazing village facing real issues. High rates of HIV/AIDS, lack of basic medical care, no running water, no electricity, and hunger are just a few of the obstacles the villagers live with everyday. During a visit to the local school, Igodivaha Primary School, I was touched by the hospitality of the children and shocked at the conditions of the school. Most classrooms had no adult present - of 378 students there are only a total of 5 teachers. The school has no supplies, no funding, outdated books, and even some of the classroom roofs were partially collapsed. It is a rarity for any of the children to go on to secondary schooling, girls especially are at an increased risk of dropping out. An education is a chance at a better future and the children of Igodivaha Primary School deserve that chance.
Books for Hope has been a huge success thanks to the amazing support of so many generous individuals. To date we have raised enough to surpass our original goal to supply the 103 3rd and 4th grade students new sets of curriculum books (2 students per book). But why stop there? Our new goal is to supply new sets of books for the 5th, 6th, and 7th grades as well, in addition to new school uniforms (sweaters) for every student. We will not stop fighting for a better future for the children of Igodivaha, let's all be the change we hope to see in the world! Support Books for Hope and join our fight for education for all!
