This summer, our school came together for a project that was environmentally responsible and socially impactful – donating over 4,000 books to the charity Books2Africa.
The books, a mix of textbooks, exercise books, and reading materials, were collected from every department in the school. Many had been sitting unused, gathering dust, and could easily have ended up in landfill. Instead, thanks to the enthusiasm and generosity of staff and students, we gave them a second life – one that will benefit children and schools across Africa.
Once the collection was complete, the huge load was carefully packed up and driven to Books2Africa’s processing centre in Canterbury. Special thanks go to Charlie and Marco, who helped us unload the many boxes (no small task!) and made us feel incredibly welcome.
Marco also gave us a fascinating tour of their facility, explaining how donations are handled. Every book is checked and sorted by subject and condition, before being packed into large boxes for shipment. These boxes are then loaded into shipping containers for a three-month sea voyage to Africa. Once they arrive, the books are distributed to schools, libraries, and learning centres across the continent, where they are put straight into the hands of students eager to learn.
This project was about more than just decluttering – it was about recognising the value of educational resources and ensuring they reach those who can use them most. By working together, we’ve prevented thousands of books from going to waste, and helped to provide opportunities for learning that will last for years to come.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed books, packed boxes, and made the trip possible. The impact of this donation will travel far beyond our school gates – all the way to classrooms and communities in Africa.
