Growing up I was always a reader but have only recently started understanding the great impact books can have on a person’s life and future. This was really driven home when I heard about  William Kamkwamba.

William Kamkwamba is a Malawian man who at the age of 14 had to drop out of high school because his family could not afford the school’s fees. William did not let this misfortune stop his pursuit of a better life through education but instead began borrowing books about energy from a small community library. He then went on to build a windmill out of materials he found in a local scrap yard to power his home. Word got out about William’s endeavors and after a series of events including giving a TED talk and writing a book, he is now in his senior year at Dartmouth College.

With that, we will be taking a look at Books for Africa (BFA) – a charity that seeks to provide the same resources that opened up William Kamkwamba’s future to other students and kids like him in Africa.

What is it?

Unfortunately a great number of kids in many African countries do not have access or have very limited access to books. Books for Africa hopes to end this book poverty in Africa by sending books to Africa. Simple and straightforward. In their own words:

“The mission of Books For Africa is to end the book famine in Africa. With your help, we will help create a culture of literacy and provide the tools of empowerment to the next generation of parents, teachers, and leaders in Africa.”

How can I give?

BFA has 3 ways to donate to their cause. You can donate funds to BFA, donate to a specific BFA project, or honor a friend with a donation. This third option is especially great because the person you honor with a donation receives a handwritten note card or email from BFA. You can also donate books to BFA.

I think the great thing about Books For Africa is that it is such a simple idea for a charitable organization but it is one that has real and immediate impact. With the various ways of giving to its cause, BFA is a great charitable gifting opportunity and one to consider when you’re looking for a gift for someone who has everything!