POA's Latest shipment of Books Arrives in Kampala!

On September 8, 2003, in honor of International Literacy Day, and with the support of the Africana Librarians Council, POA sent more than 200 books to our Children's Resource Library in Kampala, Uganda.

Thanks to the generosity of the ALC Book Donation Program, Pearls of Africa was able to significantly add to the collection of this cherished library. This shipment included titles such as The Secret Code, by Dana Meachen Rau, (a book about blindness and Braille) Where's Chimpy, (about a young girl with Down's Syndrome) by Berniece Rabe, and I Like Me by Nancy Carlson. We were also able to send over books for siblings and parents as well, such as Uncommon Fathers, by Donald Meyer and Our Brother Has Down's Syndrome, by Shelley Cairo.

A boy holding his small brother and a book in his arms, reading to him.

A young boy reads to his visually impaired brother

The books were much anticipated and very well received by both the children and staff at the library. As you can see from the photos each book was devoured by the curious and excited children! These books make a huge difference in the lives of these children. Upon their arrival there was a celebratory atmosphere, and all the children clamored over the collection, eagerly moving from book to book. After a few minutes, things settled down a bit, and the children could be found quietly studying the pictures and text. Each seemed to find a favorite, and they spent the afternoon intently perusing their new collection.

A group of about 10 children proudly holding their new books in front of a house.

The children gather around the new shipment of books

Because disability is so misunderstood and feared in Uganda, the library focuses its collection on resources and encouraging stories for children with various disabilities and their families. We have found that many of the children who visit the library are surprised to find children "like them" in the pages of these books. Seeing children with disabilities leading happy and full lives, even if just in the pages of a book, encourages these youngsters in ways they have never been supported before.

For more information on the Children's Library, or to make a donation, please click here