READ 100 to FIND 100

For the past month at school I have been working hard to encourage the new library program I coined, “Read 100 to Find 100.” During the first few weeks of our time here, the school requested I start a library. Without hesitation, I scrounged up all the books in miscellaneous classrooms and categorized them. Within weeks the new school library was up and running. At first, the students were hesitant of the new room where the white woman spent her break trying to encourage them to come in. But over time, the library became more and more popular. I also made space on the library bulletin board where the students can hang their art. Not only are the students coming around, so are the teachers. Just last week, the sixth grade teacher brought his class in and requested that each student check out a book to read over the weekend. It is inspiring to see these small signs of encouragement from teachers.
Now, 6 months after opening, the library is succeeding and looking for help. Many of the books in the library are from the 1960s, battered, or at a high reading level. Most the pupils are hardly above a grade 3 English reading level. The hope of this new program, “Read 100 to Find 100”, is that if the pupils can manage to read 100 books that we already have, I can try to find 100 new books to donate. I created a chart at the start of this term, and just yesterday we made it to 100!! The children did a great job coming in during their 30 minute morning break to read and spend time in the library. During the program, I also asked a few students why they thought more books would help the school. I have included two of their answers at the end of this post.

So here it is…I am asking you, dear reader, if you have any old books in your basement or can pick up some used books next time you are at the Goodwill, the students here would really appreciate it. The library is mostly lacking in colorful picture books, easy readers, simple non-fiction books, and short chapter books. We also have a magazine and newspaper section.

In Zambia, the schools are always talking about improving their “reading culture.” In my mind, we can’t improve the “reading culture” without a place to start. Thank you in advance for all your support! I feel grateful to have this opportunity to help these students and the community.

Student responces:
“We like reading new book and-understand new English. Because some of they don’t know how to read. We can develop our school through reading and watching picture in other countries which are developed. For example America is one of the developed country.”

-Mwala, Grade 8


“Ukusambilisha abaana ifya kucomfya amabuuka ayapusana pusana. Ukusambilisha abaana ukubelenga. Ukuwishiba ifintu ifyabab myumabuuku. Ukwisiba ukulenga ifikope. Ukwishiba ifyo abantu bekala mufya lo fimbi. Ukwishiba icingelehsi.”


“(If we had more books it would) teach children how to use different types of books, teach children how to read, help us learn about what is in books, help us know how to draw pictures, help us know how people live in different countries and learn English.”


-Jenipher, Grade 7 (written in the local language, Bemba, and translated into English by Joy and Mr. Himoonde, Grade 3 teacher.)

P.S. I have found out that the best way to send books is to send it in a flat rate box. The small box is around $25.00 and the medium box is around $40.00. Also, any left over room in the boxes can be stuffed with pencils, crayons, sweets, erasers, small knick-knacks, etc. that I can use in my prize box. Also, please include a note with a return address so we can write thank you notes!