Back in 2002, Jodi Facette, the President of Africa Book Project, visited Kenya and witnessed firsthand the poverty and situation that many children face. She visited schools and communities and vowed to do something when she returned home.

Jodi noticed that in Canada, schools and libraries replace thousands of outdated books, many which end up discarded or in the landfill. In addition, many people own encyclopedias, atlases, maps and other books that go unused. She began collecting these books and shipping them to Kenya. In addition, if funds were available, she tried to help the schools by covering the cost of small repairs and with the purchase of some needed items, such as desks.

So far we have made 6 shipments to Kenya and have expanded into Tanzania for the first time this year. We have shipped at least 500,000 books, and have 2 more containers ready for shipment out of Vancouver heading for Kenya. So far we have distributed book to 34 schools in need.

Shipment costs are covered through fundraising and individual donors. We have to raise approximately $20,000 each year to cover the cost of collection, shipping and distribution. Administration costs so far have been minimal as volunteers do all of the work.