News

‘When you see books it’s like seeing gold,’ Rwandan envoy says at Books for Africa fundraiser

Tom Gitaa

Mshale

May 22nd, 2024

For children caught in the middle of the 1994 Rwanda genocide that killed over 800,000 people, a book in their hands made a world of difference.  For the Rwandan ambassador to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana, there were instances in her life during the genocide that the few books she could get hold of as she moved between countries as a refugee helped her see the light through the darkness. This was a reality for many, especially children, she said.

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A St. Paul school was in trouble, but its principal turned it around by listening to parents

Anthony Lonetree

Minneapolis Star Tribune

May 14th, 2024

Books For Africa Board Treasurer Fatima Lawson has been recognized for her amazing work as Principal of Highland Hills Elementary School! Books For Africa relies on our talented and diverse board members to help shape our programs for maximum impact. Dr. Lawson's unique perspective as an educator and native Nigerian is invaluable, and we are grateful for her service, locally and globally! Principal Fatima Lawson recently won an award for her work at Highwood Hills Elementary, which adopted a polytechnic approach at the urging of Somali, Karen and Hispanic families.

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Ambassador Mukantabana of Rwanda to keynote annual Books For Africa luncheon in Minnesota

Tom Gitaa

Mshale

May 8th, 2024

Rwanda’s ambassador to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana, will deliver the keynote address at the annual Books for Africa fundraising luncheon on Friday, May 10 in Roseville, MN

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Q&A: Books For Africa Founder Tom Warth Marks 60-million Milestone

Mary Divine

St. Paul Pioneer Press

April 4th, 2024

Tom Warth once visited a school library in Jinja, Uganda, that had nearly everything everything a library needs — except books.

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Books Are Still Vital for Literacy and Learning

Lucia Ndabula

Mail & Guardian

March 14th, 2024

While the improved 2023 matric pass rate is cause for celebration, consider the almost 500,000 children who started grade one in the same year but dropped out of school along the way. What can be done to ensure that more learners stay in the system until grade 12?

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Atlanta woman sends 45,000 books to children in her native Congo

Laura Berrios

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

March 8th, 2024

Niclette Mundabi of Atlanta wanted to do something special for her 35th birthday. Instead of receiving presents, she decided to give books—thousands of books—to children in her native country, the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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