We conducted surveys in existing kindergartens and with families with small children. One issue consistently re-emerged and genuinely affected us:
There are hardly any books for children.
Even when parents, grandparents, or caregivers want to read aloud, there's often a lack of simple picture books or early reading books. The will is there. The opportunity is not.
The Reality on the Ground
Currently, we reach about 3,500 children across 10 locations. Approximately 650 of them are under five years old.
Even if a book costs about 10 EUR, it is unaffordable for many.
Many of these children also live far from cities or established educational institutions. A traditional library, as we know it, therefore doesn't work either.
If children cannot come to the library, then the library must come to the children.
Why Books Are So Important
Early exposure to books is crucial for a child's entire development. Children who are read to develop language faster, can concentrate better, and understand connections earlier. At the same time, something immeasurable emerges: closeness. Connection. Trust.
Reading aloud means that an adult takes time. That a child feels seen.
In rural regions like Mkhondo, another challenge arises. Children often grow up speaking isiZulu, while schooling later takes place in English. To be well-prepared, children need both: books in their mother tongue and initial access to the English language.
Without this foundation, many children start school with a real disadvantage.
Our Solution
We want to establish a mobile children's library. Books should not just be distributed once but be available long-term. They should be integrated into the children's daily lives.
For this, we are creating a rotating stock of books in isiZulu and English and bringing them directly to the locations. This will be accompanied by local staff who support the children, lend out books, and actively promote reading aloud.
This creates not only access to books but also genuine educational work.
Our Needs
For Setup
- Books for the initial stock = 14,000 EUR
- Two simple library vehicles = 16,000 EUR
- Equipment and setup = 5,000 EUR
Total starting costs = approx. 35,000 EUR
Ongoing Costs per Year
- Staff for supervision and organization = 15,000 EUR
- Fuel for mobile operations = 3,500 EUR
- Maintenance and upkeep = 2,000 EUR
- Replenishment of books = 1,500 EUR
Total annual costs = approx. 22,000 EUR
Your Impact
- 10 EUR → 1 Book
- 50 EUR → Books for a children's group
- 200 EUR → Supply a kindergarten with books
- 500 EUR+ → real change for many children through mobile libraries
Large donations are also very welcome.
Your help has a very concrete and direct impact. A library has an immediate impact.
Note: Currently, AI-generated images have also been used, as we do not yet have suitable motifs from our Safe Parks. We hope this will change soon.
Manual bank transfer, please send to the following bank details.
