Books For South Africa

Comments and experiences from Dorothy Kennett who is helping build a library in South Africa for children in need.

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Location: Swayimane and Cato Ridge, Kwa Zulu-Natal, South Africa

I live in Bloomington, Illinois USA but since 2001 I have made 6 trips to the country of South Africa. I have spent varying amounts of time volunteering there, for as long as 9 months, or as little as 1 month. As of the present time I have 6 library programs up and running for the children of KwaZulu Natal. These projects include a Community Library, iThembalethu, in Swayimane, Khaylehile Children's Library at a foster care facility near Cato Ridge, a Lifeskills library, 16 Travelling Libraries including 4 in Zimbabwe and a Library collection at a Child Development facility. If you would like to help me with this important work, contact me at 2002 E. Washington St. Bloomington, Illinois 61701. Phone: 309.662.1571 EMail: dkenne2@ilstu.edu

Friday, April 21, 2006

April 2006 Update

So much has been happening since I returned home that an update is needed for this blog. I have been very busy speaking to (so far) over 15 groups about the great needs of the children in South Africa and our work at God's Golden Acre. Womens Groups, Church Groups, Clubs, etc. have ALL been very interested and supportive. In this picture I am holding a copy of the book about the founder of God's Golden Acre, Heather Reynolds. This is a Heather's biography. It is "The inspirational story of one woman's fight for some of the world's most vulnerable AIDS orphans".

It so happens that Heather and her husband, Patrick, visited here in Bloomington/Normal this month and many people purchased her book after hearing her very moving story. This book is a marvelous read... about this couple who have devoted their life to the service of those in desperate need. I have copies of this book for sale. The price is $13 which goes directly to the benefit of GGA. If you would like a copy just let me know.

Also, if you know of a group who would benefit from hearing my story about GGA in South Africa just let me know. I have a computer slide show that helps me tell of my experiences there last year but I also do presentations with large mounted pictures and stories of the children.

As to the future, I am thinking strongly of returning to GGA probably later this year. The Library that we were able to establish last year is going strong now but I have some ideas for even further improvement. As I mentioned before, GGA has an outreach program whereby needed food is delivered in the countryside on a regular basis. I'm thinking how great it would be if a "mobile bookmobile library" could be formed to accompany the food deliveries. So as the children gather to receive their desparately needed food supplies we could also offer them a chance to see a book, read a book, borrow a book... sounds like such a small thing but from their perspective I have seen tears in the eyes of youngsters there who have never before had the opportunity to have their very own book. Wouldn't it be great to bring such wonders to them.

Guess I'll stop for now but do let me hear from you if I can share these experiences in any way. Thanks... Dorothy

posted by Dorothy Kennett | 5:49 PM | 0 comments