JOIN THE BOOK BUS
Join the Book Bus Project in Zambia between May and September 2008!
The Book Bus can't operate without a crew – it's the team's support that keeps the wheels turning.
We are looking for people to join the magnificent Book Bus on its voyage through Zambia's towns, villages and interior. We can't offer a life of luxury – crew members could be staying in tents, hostels, or with village families – but it will be hugely rewarding, great fun and packed with wonderful experiences. If you're interested in joining us (and by doing so, helping us to raise funds), please read on.
The Book Bus Team
The team traveling with the Book Bus will usually include the project leader, a driver, a local storyteller and four 'crew members'. Occasionally we'll be joined by special guests, who might include well known children's authors and artists – or even a film crew!
Crew members can sign up for anything from a week's stint to two months, and they can combine their time on the Book Bus with an adventure holiday in Africa or a relaxing stay on the beach. See the 'Tell me more!' link below for details.
What to expect - a week in the life of the Book Bus
We have an itinerary that will take us from Lusaka right through the country, spending approximately one week at each stop on our route.
On arrival at our site for the week, the crew members will strike camp, setting up tents, kitchen and the on-board library display. We'll meet our hosts and the children whom we'll be working with.
There will be a schedule of activities for the children to engage in during the week, led by crew members and our local storyteller. These activities might include helping the children with reading, music, art, structured play sessions, drama, sports and building a mini-library for the books that we'll donate.
Activities may vary from site to site, however we'll aim to end each visit with a performance by the children of a story they have created or chosen themselves, enhanced by music, puppets and artwork. When it's all over, we'll break camp at the weekend and move on to the next site.
What Makes a Good Crew Member?
Life on the road can be challenging – heat, unpaved roads, basic accommodation and 'roughing it' are facts of everyday life, especially away from the cities. So it's essential that as a crew member, you have a reasonable level of health and fitness.
Equally important will be your desire to interact with children – those who have previous experience of working with children are especially welcome but it isn't essential. Some measure of artistic and/or musical talent (or at least a willingness to have a go!) will stand you in good stead. And finally our crew members all share a positive outlook, enjoyment at being active and a real desire to make a difference.
This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a great adventure, and to help inspire in disadvantaged children a love of books that will serve them well. We look forward to welcoming you on board the Book Bus.
To find out more, follow the link below.