Introduction from Tom Maschler

I have been a publisher for over 40 years and passionately believe books can change people’s lives.

Zambia School When I travelled to Zambia at the end of 2006 I saw the problems created by HIV/AIDS – in particular the effect on children. At least one child in seven has lost one or both parents to the disease, and many are not able to attend school. Quite apart from the devastation caused to families, there is an acute shortage of teachers.

I left Zambia determined to do something to help. The Book Bus Foundation is the result.

The Book Bus

Book Bus sketch by Quentin Blake Our splendid library bus carries hundreds of picture books, art equipment, puppets and musical instruments. As you can see here, the bus has been marvellously decorated by Quentin Blake, one of Britain’s favourite children’s artists (and ours too). It looks extraordinary parked under the trees in an African village!

For several months of the year, the Book Bus tours villages, community schools and orphanages in Zambia. At each location we work with children, engaging them in activities designed to inspire them to want to read. These include story-telling, one-on-one reading sessions, singing, painting and performing plays that the children have written themselves. Reading on the Book Bus We also work closely with teachers to encourage them to make ‘reading enjoyment’ as much a part of the curriculum as the alphabet.

We provide each community with a crate of children’s books and show them how to set up and run reading clubs. We’ve had heart-warming feedback about children showing a passionate interest in reading for the first time.

Our First Year in Zambia

Between May and September 2008 the Book Bus and its crew visited schools and orphanages in Lusaka, Kabwe and Livingstone. They read with over 1500 children, developed six reading clubs, donated 1000 books, decorated classrooms and encouraged plenty of budding readers and artists. We have had wonderful feedback about children coming out of their shells and becoming actively interested in reading following our visits.

We Need Your Help

Painting the Book Bus Keeping the bus on the road takes a great deal of effort and, even though we run very frugally, it also takes money. I hope you will give us your support. Your generosity will benefit children and communities who desperately need our help.

Making a donation couldn’t be simpler, or if you’re looking for an adventure, you couldn’t find a better one than joining the Book Bus in Zambia and working as part of our crew for a couple of weeks. Why don’t you see here for more details?

Tom Maschler founder of The Book Bus
All the best,

Tom Maschler

PS - Please spread the word about the Book Bus to everyone you know who loves reading and cares about the welfare of children.