Book Aid donates books to Nigerian and Ukrainian refugees

Book Aid International is donating books to displaced people in Nigeria and to Ukrainian refugees in Poland for the first time, as part of its strategy to reach communities facing barriers to reading.

It comes as the organisation reveals it sent 1,140,435 new books to readers in 26 countries, with the support of the UK publishing industry.

In total, the charity trained 361 teachers and librarians, established 456 school libraries and funded the purchase of 24,976 locally published books. 

The charity also partnered with 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!” 

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.”