Program

Books For Africa receives new and used book donations for primary through post-secondary levels from public and private schools, libraries, publishers and the general public. Donated books are sorted and processed for shipping by volunteers working at BFA’s warehouse in St. Paul, Minnesota. Approximately 35,000 books are shipped in a 40-foot container. A 40-foot container sent to a sea port in Africa costs $9,000. Inland rates vary depending on destination and are dependent on quotes from shippers. Shipping is Books For Africa’s largest expense.

On the receiving end in Africa, BFA partners such as local YMCAs, Catholic and Protestant Church Dioceses, local member clubs of Rotary International and other non-government organizations take delivery of books. These indigenous organizations see that the books are delivered to the appropriate schools and libraries in their areas.

Books For Africa generally requires the receiving organization to fund the shipping cost of a container, either on their own or with a financial sponsor.

To date, Books For Africa has shipped books to these 37 countries: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Congo, Cote D'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. See Maps for more information.

Although Books For Africa has made tremendous progress in its mission, the book famine in Africa remains a reality. Where books are available, there are still very few. It is common across the continent to see five or six school children sharing one book. Empty library shelves are a constant reminder of Africa’s desperate need for printed materials. If we are to see the day when African school children are to have the books they need to learn the skills necessary to provide for themselves and others, BFA must continue to send millions of books.