I am a lover of books. I enjoy times when I can go into a bookstore and carefully read and select a new book or two. Like a child, I quickly walk, with a little bounce in my step, to the sections I enjoy and begin to investigate the books cover by cover and word by word. Some days I will stay for hours, making a home on the floor while pouring through book after book until I find just the right addition to my already stuffed bookshelf.
However, what I love more are stories about others who love books and how fellow book lovers can inspire a culture of reading no matter where they are. As I have come to learn during my time at the International Book Project, a love of reading provides hope and a future where one is not always possible.
Recently, the International Book Project sent more than 2,000 books to help promote a habit of reading through a book fair in Ghana. Children were invited to come to the book fair and select books for their own personal collection. What a great way to foster a love of reading!
The students were overjoyed to receive a book of their very own – this is a true treasure in Ghana.
“The kids were so excited that they got to pick a stack of books out and take them back to their rooms. They were all writing their names on the inside cover because they loved having ownership,” said Touch a Life’s Pam Cope.
Wisdom who received a book about a surgeon held up his book with pride and said, “I am going to be a surgeon someday and help people.”
These are just a few words from our friends at Touch a Life Foundation that inspire us every day. Read their blog post here.
Photo Credit: Touch a Life Foundation
by Chassity Neckers