Nyaka AIDS Orphans School Book Drive
Background
Books are extraordinarily expensive in the Developing World, and much beloved. Here in Uganda, all children start their education in their home-language, and gradually transfer to English-language instruction by grade-three. Many are eager to learn how to read and better understand the language, but have little opportunity to do so.

As a result, many programs that serve orphans and other vulnerable children try to acquire books that can stimulate the children’s imagination, offer an escape from the hardship and poverty that surrounds them, and also help with their language development. At Nyaka AIDS Orphans School (SEE www.nyakaschool.org) we have over 4,000 needy orphans in the sub county, 86 are in our school and we aim to provide assistance throughout the whole District. All children in need are served, without regard to religious affiliation. By June 2005 we will start drop-in library for after-school reading. Volunteers will assist in the afternoons with homework, recreational games, and the provision of psychosocial supports. Children will group in twos or threes to help each other read, or (with the younger ones), a volunteer will read to them.

What books to send and how
All kinds of books are appreciated that are suitable for children and young adults. Adult-books will either circulate among the volunteers, or else send them to one of the high-schools with which we work closely, One way to do this from the United States is to conduct a “book drive” where school- based or community-youth collect two or three used books and one-dollar each – which also pays for the postage. Remaindered books are also welcomed (note: if we get many duplicates, we spread them around other school in the area), and can be shipped in the same way. If we get too many of the same title at once, we’ll distribute them across other schools and community organizations.

All books must be boxed and brought to a full-sized post office in your town. (The small satellite branches don’t have the service you need for this.) There, you should ask for a “MAIL BAG” which means that an entire canvas bag will be dedicated to a single address and shipped there, without further sorting. Usually a MAIL BAG holds 2-3 cartons. Only books and printed materials can be sent in this fashion – but it is relatively cheap: approximately US$1.00 per pound.

Label the books “donation.” This is to avoid customs’ duties.

Be Patient
This is the one problem. The books will take three to six months to arrive, but so far – they always have come. (Do let us know when you have mailed them, though. Then we can watch for them!)

What happens once we get these books
It is best to send the books to a single address, and we’ll sort them from there. Our staff at Nyaka responsible for shelving, labeling, and ensuring that the books are read on-sit and left in our library. Our record on the few books in stock isn’t 100%, but we do the best we can. We ask the local staff to write a thank you letter (often, together with the children), so please be sure to include your name and postal address in each box.

Administration at Nyaka
Although Nyaka is in its second year, we have made an impact in the community as center for education and food distribution. Our school is one of the most cost effective ways of dealing with the ever-increasing orphan crisis in rural villages of Africa. All books will be shared with other non-governmental organizations that serve children.

Mailing address:
Nyaka School
P. O BOX 12540
Kampala, Uganda

Thanking you in advance,

Yours truly,

Twesigye Jackson Kaguri
Founder / Director
Tel: (517) 402-2787
E-mail:
www.nyakaschool.org
Copyright (c) 2008 Nyaka School. All rights reserved.