Coalition of Children's Book Authors

"Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope." - Kofi Annan

In October of 2014, I became a volunteer for the Coalition of Children's Book Authors. It is a coalition founded by Dr. Michael Provitera in which authors donate shipments of books to needy children in Africa. The coalition has connected with the Children Care Development Organization in Tanzania.

When I first saw a picture of the children standing beside an almost empty bookcase, I knew I had to find out more about this coalition through volunteer Layne Case. She is also a children's author and founder of Amity Publications, which enriches literacy for all ages. As soon as I saw pictures from her last shipment, I knew I had to be a part of the next one and help fill those bookshelves.

I donated copies of Lucy's Amazing Friend to Layne's latest shipment, which was sent out in November and titled "Giving Thanks to Tanzania." Yesterday, I found out they received the shipment and the pictures enclosed of the children holding our books brought about so many emotions. I grew up surrounded by books and it's something I never even realized I took for granted. Here is a part of the post along with pictures Layne put on her Facebook page regarding the shipment.

"Exciting News! The "Giving Thanks to Tanzania" shipment of books, sent on Nov 24, 2014 have finally arrived in Tanzania. Here's what Majaliwa Mbogella sent me from the Director of the CCDO :
****************************
We are very happy to inform you that we have received the box of books you have sent us on November 24th last year. We've found all the enclosed copies of "CHARLIE" plus other books like LUCY'S AMAZING FRIEND, IT'S NOT ALWAYS AS IT SEEMS, LUCAS THE TRAVELING CRAB, FLANNERY'S FIRST TRIP, ETHAN'S BARBERSHOP SINGING FAMILY, and THE TWO BITE CLUB that were contributed to us by your friends. We are touched in a very special way by the effort that you and your fellow authors show at serving children in need. Please receive and pass our heartfelt thanks to you and them. We wish you the best of luck in all the activities you're doing. We have attached pictures of our children holding books.
By CCDO Deputy Director
Ezgard Fungo
*************************

                         

We are always looking for people to help the Coalition of Children's Book Authors sponsor books and the shipment costs for the packages sent to Africa. If you would like to get involved and find out more information you can visit Dr. Michael Provitera's page: docprov.com/childrens-coalition.html, Layne Case at Amity Publications: amitypublications.com, or my website: stephanieworkman15.com.
To learn more about the Children Care Development Organization visit: envaya.org/ccdo and ccdo-tanzania.org.

(images via the Children Care Development Organization)