Books being shipped to Mongolia (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Books being shipped to Mongolia

10:10am Thursday 22nd April 2010 in News

CHILDREN in Mongolia will benefit from 45,000 English reading books thanks to an international book collection scheme led in the UK by a Belbroughton-based photographer.

The Bookbridge initiative set out to collect unwanted children’s English books to equip school libraries in Mongolia so children in the country can learn English as a second language as part of their school curriculum.

Tom Doyle, 23, has been leading the UK Bookbridge campaign since January 2010, managing and publicising events and collecting unwanted children’s books which are being shipped to Mongolia.

He had been planning to participate in the celebrations as the three containers arrive at the Franconian International School in Erlangen, South Germany.

However, the closing of British air space due to the Icelandic volcano meant he had to stay in the UK.

Mr Doyle said: “During the last four months, colleagues in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria have been very busy collecting English books.

“This team effort has generated an amazing response which will make such a difference to children in Mongolia.

“We are very proud of this achievement and look forward to hearing about the children’s reading progress over the coming months.

“Since 2007, Bookbridge has stocked three new children’s school libraries in the Northern area of Mongolia.”

For more information on Bookbridge visit bookbridge.org