In the spring of 2012 I received information about a book donation program for people abroad that need books for their communities. Darien Book Fund is an American program that has a special process for Peace Corps volunteers. I sent an email telling them who I was, where I was located, who the books were for, and the genre and reading level of the books needed. The email was responded to within a week and in late summer I received a 20-pound box of children’s books and National Geographic for the kids in my town. The one thing Darien Book Fund asks is that you inform them when you receive the package of books and that you take pictures. I did just that along with a “Thank you” video message from the kids.
My counterpart and I have set up a library-esque check out system (the community is currently working on constructing a library) to prepare the youth for obtaining books from a real library. The kids come by my compound and select a book, then sign there name, and are given a 1 week due date. This project was well received in my community and the kids continue to come by and borrow books. The one down side is that you have to educate and motivate the borrowers on bringing them back on time. Some people do and some don’t. Fortunately I have all the names so I can track who checked the book out.
I believe that the Darien Book fund is an excellent idea if you have the patience and time or already have a book borrowing system/library in place. My kids love selecting books every week and I believe that it will help broaden their minds and increase their level of English understanding.
