This is a post about the last project that will come to Fodé Bayo before I leave country – if – it gets completely funded before I leave.  Below is the story of how over 35 volunteers are working together to bring over 22,000 books to more than 35 villages in Senegal.  Here is the website: Bringing Books to Senegal where you can donate and help see that this project happens.


A bit over a month ago, I received an email from my good friend in country, Jessie, about a project she wants to do, but needs some help with.  She found an amazing organization that ships books in French from Europe to Senegal, but the thing is that they only ship large amounts of books.  Like, a massive amount.  As in too many for her village of 300, but a pretty prefect amount for say thirty-five different volunteers and their villages.  That’s where my village comes in, and your philanthropic selves as well.  But I get ahead of myself.   Here’s the project information via the horse’s mouth… aka Jessie:

So there’s this NGO called Books for Africa. They, of course, send
books to Africa. But the way they do it is particularly nuts. They
ship a 40-foot container weighing about a bazillion tons, chock full
of around 22,000 books — books in French for kids.

Books for Africa is different from a lot of the organizations I’ve found for two reasons. First off, they’re able to ship French books from Europe, which is much more useful to Senegalese students than English books. Secondly, they ship massive amounts of books. When I saw this, I thought I could never partner with Books for Africa. That’s just way too many books for my village of 300.  But then I started talking about it with other Senegalese volunteers, many of whom expressed interest in receiving books and starting libraries in their communities.

As a result of all these conversations, Peace Corps/Senegal is partnering with Books for Africa to bring textbooks and reading materials to schools and community libraries throughout the country. Volunteers in about 35 communities are working with teachers and village leaders to open libraries and reading spaces, to start or supplement literacy programs, and to incorporate more books and reading comprehension into classrooms. It’s a really big project, and I’m excited that it’s happening.
In order to get these books to Fodé Bayo and the other villages in Senegal, we need help with the shipping costs. As you can imagine, the cost is huge – about $8,000.  Thankfully, all 35 volunteers involved will be asking their families and friends to help donate to our cause, but so far things are not looking great.  We’ve had the donation site up for about a month and so far have only received $100.
I know I recently hit you all up to help raise funds for the Senegal Moringa Fund, specifically the Kolda Donkey Rally.  The project that I am emailing you about is equally important, and like the Donkey Rally/Moringa Fund will benefit villages all over Senegal, not just in my area.  When you think of charitable donations you would like to make this year, just please think of this: of all organizations that you can donate to, PCV facilitated projects, like this library initiative, guarantee that your money will be going to a worthwhile cause.  There is no mystery intermediary dealing with your funds or a generic photo of an African kid saying “Thanks!” for your $20.  Instead there are people you know (like me!) who are able to tell you a story about where they money is going, be involved in the process when the funds and materials arrive, and email you anecdotes and photos once the project is underway.  In other words, donating to projects such as this one and the Senegal Moringa Fund are the most beneficial types of donations you can make because 1) you know exactly what you’re donating to, and 2) can see exactly where the money is going.  No Santas on the corner ringing little bells here.
Anyway, venturing away from my soapbox, here is the website that you must go to in order to donate to our amazing library project: Bringing Books to Senegal.  All donations are of course tax deductible, but more importantly, will help bring over 35 little libraries to Senegal.