"There are so few books there and little access to literature!" the conversation began. It was nearly the end of 2022 and Louise had just returned from 100 days in South Sudan. "Imagine the difference a library could make there..."

In the following year, Louise started this conversation with anyone she thought might be able to help. The idea was enticing; but how could we make it happen? An email thread was developed where potential shipping options were discussed. In August Louise and her husband accepted the call to move to South Sudan for three years. In November of 2023, Sarah and Louise sat down in a Nepalese restaurant in Melbourne and talked for hours about how to really put legs on this idea. They knew we needed help, so Louise put out a call to join a library committee. Nat and Lucila, who had already contributed a great deal through the email chain, committed to the task. Our first meeting fell a few days before Christmas where jobs were divided to be conquered.

A policy outlining the purpose and selection criteria was written to guide our work. Many emails have passed between our brothers and sisters working in South Sudan. Contacts were made with other libraries established in Africa through volunteers. Donations of books have been sifted and sorted. Queries have been answered (often resulting in more queries!). The location and rooms have been secured. Louise has packed her belongings and made arrangements to move to South Sudan at the end of January 2025. A realistic budget has been formed. Our committee is now at the point where the groundwork is done but we need the funds to help bring the project to fruition!

Please join us as we aspire to serve the South Sudanese community by celebrating reading and strengthening the community through knowledge and information.

Find out more at: cushlibraryproject.wixsite.com/cush