06/05/2015
Sierra Leone News: Inspired by Aspire
Reading has become exciting to recipients of a forty one carton book donation from Aspire Book Project directed by Andy Culley in the US. Through Panos Karan, two time visiting concert pianist to Sierra Leone who linked with Andy through a friend in London, Alusine Kamara, (founder of Gift to a Nation Sierra Leone) eagerly accepted the offer of this amazing donation of English language books from all over the US for the children and youth of Sierra Leone especially with the Lakka community which he volunteers with. Linking up with Ms. Pearl Reffell and Mrs Daisy Gilpin of J.T. Reffell French Memorial School, the consignment was eventually cleared, not without difficulty and expense, and the books distributed to grateful recipients, most of which were the communities Panos performed at on his visits.
So that is how Women of Wonder, Banana Water Community, Empowering School, Unique Progressive, Wama Griso, Lakka Community and the J.T. Reffell French Memorial School became the lucky recipients of this donation. The books ranged from nursery picture books to teen novels, fiction and non-fiction reference books of art, science and nursing, of top quality in faultless condition.
True to his enterprising nature, Alusine Kamara immediately encouraged the recipients to establish reading clubs at which readers would make presentations weekly, an important and meaningful follow-up activity especially as schools are closed at this time and the children are at a loose end. “It is really fabulous to see children in the slum in great laughter and with warm smiles on their faces”, he says.
With the help of another concerned individual they attempt to provide tempting small snacks and a drink for the club. “This is creating a peaceful environment for them to read and understand. As they grow interested we engage them in a presentation competition which makes them eager and so know the value of reading”, he goes on to say. “If all goes well, and there is need, I believe Andy is happy to continue with more books in the coming months”, Panos assures us.
By Kitty Fadlu-Deen
Wednesday March 11, 2015
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