Book Aid International increases support for South Sudan

Posted on June 2, 2017 in Uncategorized

Today, 3,470 books left Book Aid International’s warehouse in Camberwell, London, bound for South Sudan. The books will reach destinations such as University of Juba and Ibba Girls’ School. The charity is proud to be reaching out to students facing some of the most challenging circumstances found anywhere in the world today.

South Sudan is the world’s youngest nation. At just six years old, the country has already experienced war and famine. For students seeking to succeed in education, complete a degree and be a part of building a better future for their young country, the barriers they face are enormous. These include a lack of books without which completing a degree is impossible. Few South Sudanese students can afford to buy books and after years of war the country’s information infrastructure is weak.

The books currently on their way to universities and schools across the country include medical texts, higher education titles, teacher training materials and children’s books. They will provide a significant boost for students who have previously been struggling to work with few or even no books. Book Aid International’s Chief Executive, Alison Tweed, explained why the charity has chosen to increase its support for South Sudan:

“At Book Aid International, we believe that everyone should have access to books that will enrich, improve and change their lives whatever their circumstances. We are committed to reaching out to those who face the greatest barriers to accessing books – such as the students who are beating the odds and completing degrees in South Sudan. We will be working hard to reach out to more conflict-affected communities as we realise our Vision for 2020 and we hope that these books are the first of many that will reach students and school pupils across South Sudan.”

The books which departed London today are at the start of a long journey as access to South Sudan can be challenging. The books will first be shipped to Uganda and then driven overland to South Sudan. The charity expects this process to take several months and looks forward to providing updates on the books’ arrival on its blog and on social media. To stay up to date visit www.bookaid.org/latest or @Book_Aid.

NOTES TO EDITORS

For further information and comment please contact Jenny Hayes, Communications Executive at Book Aid International.

e: jenny.hayes@bookaid.org
t: 020 7326 5801