Books Change Lives

When You Stand With The International Book Project

A Kentuckian with a Dream

Mrs. Harriet VanMeter

Our Mission, Since 1966

The International Book Project is committed to empowering communities to provide free and equal access to knowledge for all people. With a focus on sustainable self-development, IBP builds global partnerships that foster cultural understanding and bring people together for common goals.

Changing Lives in 2012

▪ 15 pallets, 7 sea containers▪ 369 small shipments▪ 216,395 books sent in

total!

By the numbers

▪ 29 Groups of Volunteers!▪ 3,898 volunteer hours!

Because of the people

Why Literacy? Why Now? ▪ 793 million people in

the world are illiterate

▪ 17% of the world’s adults are illiterate, nearly 2/3 are women

▪ In low-income countries the majority of students do not acquire basic reading skills even after four years of primary school

Why Literacy? Why Now?

10-20% when a

Sustainable Development

for one extra year

Wages can increase by

girl is educated

beyond the average

Why Literacy? Why Now?

who can read

Improving Health

is 50% more likely

A child born to a mother

to survive past the age of five.

Why Literacy? Why Now?

are home to

Promoting Peace

40% of the world’s

Conflict-afflicted countries

Out-of-school population

at the primary age.

Our Model▪ Partnering at the LOCAL level

▪ Working with partners to identify specific needs

▪ Partnering with Peace Corps Volunteers and other NGOs who work directly with teachers

▪ Promoting community fundraising efforts

▪ Offering matching grants to overseas communities

▪ Working for sustainable growth

Our Model

▪ Lexington-Frankfort Association of Ghanaian Americans

▪ Kentucky-Ecuador Partners▪ Shoulder to Shoulder▪ USS Comfort▪ Peacecards ▪ Local Schools▪ Local Universities

Cooperation

India

India

Books as Bridges

Local donation

Challenges

Logistics, logistics,

logistics…

Shipping Expenses

Cultural Relevancy

Customs & Corruption

Moving Forward

Partnerships with local publishers

Outreach in Lex & KY

Expand Book Collection Opportunities

Consider Learning Centers

Children who want to learn

Like Malala, children around the world understand the value of education, they simply lack the resources to expand their horizons.

How Can Our ClubMake a Difference?

It starts here.▪ Host book drives▪ Sponsor shipments▪ Work directly with a

club overseas▪ Volunteer▪ Spread the word!

The International Book Project