Samoan students want a good read

A shelf of books may be all that makes up a school library in Samoa and more are needed, says an Auckland librarian.

For the last two years, Auckland University library’s Pasifika liaison Judy McFall-McCaffery, along with the generosity of many New Zealanders, has helped fill the shelves.

The Sandringham resident organised a successful collection drive that sent 207 boxes of children’s fiction and non-fiction books to Apia last month, and is hoping to make another shipment in November.

"This is one example of Kiwi aroha and spirit. People’s kindness and generosity is so humbling," she says.

"Libraries, businesses and individuals have come to the aid of school libraries in Samoa by donating books and
stationery and Ian Jenner and Jenners Worldwide Freight came to the rescue with free shipping."

The first collection started in Auckland in 2008, with Rotary funding the freight cost of 40 boxes of donated books.

But the support of Mainfreight, who came on board last year, has enabled a larger collection of books from donor libraries, businesses and individuals nationwide.

"We are very grateful to all donors for their kindness, generosity and overwhelming support of this small project of significant value to our neighbouring children in Samoa," says Mrs McFall-McCaffery.

This year all pre-loved books collected from the community will be stored at her house until the November delivery.

They will then be sent to fellow organiser Angela Jowitt at the University of the South Pacific in Alafua for distribution to more than 140 primary schools and 25 secondary schools.

"Resources are very scarce in the islands, but what we can find in our own backyards can really help over there. Little things like this go a long way."

For more information or to make a donation contact j.mcfall@sling shot.co.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News