GETTING rid of books gathering dust on Redlands’ shelves has helped island kids read and write.
Cleveland State High School chaplain Neale Collier started the project in 2014 after Vanuatu teachers sought his help.
Mr Collier set up the Vanuatu Library Project which he said had had an enormous impact.
Students’ marks had improved dramatically, putting them on track for a better future.
Since 2014, four libraries have been set up by Cleveland State High School, Mt Cotton Community Fellowship and a Cleveland book club.
Mr Collier is looking for more help and donations of books and kindergarten toys. He also is seeking shelving and book ends that might be superfluous to library needs.
Mr Collier said children in remote schools had extremely limited access to books
“Many schools have no books at all,’’ he said. “In addition, kindergartens are unfunded, and therefore are very poorly resourced.
“This has resulted in extremely low levels of literacy and numeracy in the island nation.’’
The project aims to ship enough books, toys and shelving for a further five schools.
Libraries will be installed in remote schools by groups from Cleveland High School, Calvary Christian College and Victoria Point Baptist Church.
“We need thousands of books,” Mr Collier said.
“The community has already been generous but we are calling out for more donations of books and kindy toys. Your dust collectors can give a village child the opportunity of a better education.’’
A donation day will be held at the Cleveland Assembly Hall, Smith Street on Friday April 22 from 3pm to 6pm and on Saturday April 23 from 8am to 1pm.
Financial donations also can be made and books deemed too advanced for school libraries will be sold on the Saturday.
All funds raised will help pay for shipping costs.
If you would like to volunteer to sort, label and box the books on the day, or would like to know any more about the project contact Mr Collier at ncoll47@eq.edu.au or on 0405-412432.
