On 1^st August 2013 READ International launched another cycle of its Library Renovation Programme in Tanzania. The aim of the programme is to create libraries in secondary schools that improve and support access to books, create an environment that is conducive to study, and provide a creative space where reading for pleasure is encouraged.

In February 2013, 20 Tanzanian volunteers from the University of Dar es Salaam turned 5 abandoned classrooms into libraries in Mtwara, Lindi, Morogoro, Pwani and Dar-es-Salaam. In each school the volunteers made minor repairs to the building, repainted the walls and furniture, installed new furniture, worked with students and teachers to purchase locally published books in both Kiswahili and English, set up a referencing system for the books, and recruited and trained volunteers from the school to become library prefects.

In August 2013, 32 volunteers from Tanzania and the UK will renovate another five school libraries:

· In Pwani region: Msafiri Secondary School

· In Lindi region: Mtama Secondary School

· In Lindi region: Mchinga Mandela Secondary School

· In Tanga region: Mlingano Secondary School

· In Tanga region: Mtimbwani Secondary School

These libraries will now provide access to over 2000 students to books, so that they are able to study independently and be able to read fiction.

This August is the first time that READ International has formed volunteer groups comprising both UK and Tanzanian volunteers. Montse Pejuan, Country Director of READ International said: "It is exciting to be able to have mixed teams of Tanzanian and UK volunteers working together for the first time with secondary school students".

READ International has been generously supported by our corporate partners. Mantra and Atlas Copco have donated TZS 1.5 and TZS 5 million respectively towards the purchase of locally published books. Nabaki Afrika has generously supported READ International with paint for all 5 libraries. Other corporate partners that have supported READ International include Karimjee Jivanjee Foundation, METL, Rotary Club Bahari, WAMA Foundation, International School of Tanganyika, BG Group and National Bank of Commerce.

For More information contact:

Montse Pejuan

Country Director – Tanzania

READ International

Mobile: +255 (0) 659 367 099

Skype: montse.pejuan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/READIntTanzania

www.readinternational.org.uk