Book Aid International

World Book Day is very happy to support Book Aid International, a fantastic organisation which who are dedicated to changing lives through books.

Book Aid International knows that books change lives and believe that education is the route out of poverty, and that everyone has the right to read. This is why every year Book Aid International sends 500,000 books to community, public and academic libraries in 12 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Palestine to ensure that everyone has access to the best quality books.

Most people in sub-Saharan Africa will never even own a book of their own. Desperate book shortages mean that in some countries in Africa, one schoolbook can cost as much as a month's wages - putting books far out of the reach of the vast majority of people. The number of children attending school is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa but unfortunately the provision of school equipment, including books, is not. Books are essential for providing good quality education and ensuring that children leave school with a good level of literacy. Book Aid International are working with partners to ensure that primary schools in sub-Saharan Africa have access to good quality school books to help their children gain an education for life.

Book Aid International are also committed to finding a long-term solution to book shortages, and support the development of the local publishing market in the countries where they work. Book Aid International's vision is of a world where every country has a lively and affordable local book trade reflecting local values and culture.

UK schools have a natural empathy with Book Aid International's work, and show their support each year on World Book Day. In 2009, schools raised a fantastic £54,000 through their World Book Day celebrations, enough to provide over 27,000 books to those in desperate need.

If your school has raised money for Book Aid International, please send the money raised by cheque made payable to Book Aid International to BAI, 39-41 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NR. Thank you!