Working together works wonders
Warwickshire’s Youth Offending Service and Rugby Library are joining forces to promote the benefits of reading – not just here, but also Africa.
As part of the Bwengu project, a book sale has been organised for Saturday 24 (9:30am to 4:00pm) and Sunday 25 January (Midday to 4pm), with money raised going towards new books for children in Bwengu, Malawi – one of Africa’s poorest countries.
So far hundreds of used books have been donated to the project, which was founded in 2006 by Sue Melia – a part time sessional worker with the Youth Offending Service – and her husband Tony.
Young people have been helping collect and sort stock in Rugby as part of their reparation programme (restorative justice).
Sue is pleased with the support the project has received so far: “The book sale is always very popular. It not only benefits people in Warwickshire who can buy a great book to read, but could also help improve the life chances of many children in Africa. “
Heather Shilling, Operations Manager (Interventions) for the Youth Offending Service, said: “We are always amazed by the response for this project and we are incredibly proud to help in anyway we can.
“Supporting charities in this way helps young people make up for crimes they’ve committed – as well as supporting the wider community.”
For more information about the Bwengu Project, visit http://www.bwenguprojects.co.uk or for further information regarding the Youth Offending Service, visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/yot.