We have worked in Namibia since independence in 1990, and started working in partnership with the Namibia Library and Archive Service in 2000. Book Aid International book donations are targeted to the most appropriate users and distributed throughout the country through the Community Library Service (CLS) which runs a network of community libraries and learning centres and Education Library Service (ELS), which support school libraries. Book Aid International has supported both organisations through book donations and by providing training in reading promotion for regional librarians, to help strengthen literacy and promote a reading culture in Namibia.
Since independence the Namibian government has tried to deal with many social injustices and inequalities inherent in the systems resulting from many years of apartheid. In the areas where black Namibians were forced to live, particularly in the north of the country which is home to over 60% of the population, there are still inadequate schooling and health facilities and a shortage of well qualified staff. In an attempt to redress these inequalities we are working with both the ELS and the CLS to make more services available to previously disadvantaged areas. One way CLS has done this is by opening over 15 new libraries over that past few years. Book Aid International books have provided a vital part of the stock in these new libraries.
'Book Aid International books helped our community libraries in successfully promoting reading by providing easy reader books that are well understood by our younger audience.'
Mariet Hayes, Head of Community Library Service.
Book Aid International is continuing its support for higher education in Namibia by donating books to the Polytechnic, which provide access to information for distance learners- an important area for a country with such great land mass and low population. We are also supporting development organisations, such as Sister Namibia, a non governmental organisation concerned with gender and human rights issues, with materials to support income-generation projects and campaigning activities.
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