1.1 million brand-new, publisher-donated books reach readers in 2022
Book Aid International is delighted to announce that last year, with the support of the UK publishing industry, it sent 1,140,435 brand-new, publisher-donated books to readers in 26 countries.
The charity also launched its Power of Books strategy and committed to reaching the people who face the greatest barriers to reading and learning in 2022. Book Aid International is putting that strategy into action by donating books to displaced people in Nigeria and to Ukrainian refugees in Poland for the first time, and by increasing its support for communities across Africa where there are no books.
In total, the charity trained 361 teachers and librarians, established 456 school libraries and funded the purchase of 24,976 locally published books. None of the charity’s work would be possible without partnerships, and in 2022 the organisation worked with 185 partners around the world.
One of those partners is the Ineza Foundation, a literacy organisation in Rwanda. The group’s founder, Elizabeth Johnson, said:
“Children here lack books – a problem that I faced in my early years. Now, I live for the moment when a child gets a book in his or her hands and starts turning the pages. Book Aid International has been our main literacy partner since 2017 – and the donated books are really appreciated!”
Book Aid International was also honoured to welcome a new Patron in 2022, Her Majesty the Queen Consort, who was then The Duchess of Cornwall, as well as a new Chair, Dr Alice Prochaska, who are together providing inspirational leadership and helping to shape an exciting vision for the future.
The Charity’s Chief Executive, Alison Tweed, commented on the year saying:
“2022 proved a challenging year – with the impact of Covid, climate change and the rising cost of living tipping many into real hardship. In these difficult times, each book has the power to spark a positive change. That is why we believe it is vital to share the power of books with readers around the world, and I would like to thank everyone who supported us last year.”
Bloomsbury founder and Publishers Association President Nigel Newton is Book Aid International’s President. He said:
“Books improve life by educating, inspiring and entertaining and they open doors for millions. Book Aid International is trying to give everyone a chance to read. We are seeking fellow believers in books to give financial support to this life-changing cause.”
The charity would like to extend a special thank you to Africa Publishing Innovation Fund, Bloomsbury, Cambridge University Press and Assessment, Hachette, Oxford University Press, Pan Macmillan, Penguin Random House and Sage Publications for their particularly generous support in 2022.
To find out about how you can be a part of sharing the power of books with readers around the world, visit bookaid.org/support.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Images
Please find a selection of images and the Book Aid International logo here: https://bookaid.dash.app/sharing/type/collection/rsixd-ny-release
Further information
Please contact Emma Taylor:
07582402446
Emma.taylor@bookaid.org
About Book Aid International
Book Aid International provides over one million new books every year in the places where they will make the biggest difference and sets up libraries, trains people to run them and works with its partners to spark a love of reading.
Together with its 185 partners worldwide, the charity provides books everywhere from refugee camps, prisons and hospitals to remote schools where there has never been a library before.
All of the books the charity provides from the UK are donated by publishers, and Book Aid International receives no government grants or support. To find out more or to help send the next book visit bookaid.org.
Book Aid International is a registered charity in England and Wales. Charity number 313869.