Liberian Literacy Foundation

What are the problems this project aims to solve?

The West African nation of Liberia has recently emerged from fourteen years of civil conflict (1989-2003).  During the conflict more than 95% of the country’s infrastructure—clinics, hospitals and schools were damaged or destroyed.  As a direct result, Oxfam International estimates that at the end of the country’s civil crisis Liberia had an illiteracy rate of 90% among women and more than 75% among men.  Today, Oxfam International estimates that more than 80% of Liberia’s 3.6 million people live on less than $1 a day.

What is the opportunity to solve them now?

The Liberian Books Project is a sustainable development project for Liberia.  Under the project, the programs of recycling books, building libraries, providing educational resources, and delivering renewable energy to Liberia are synchronized into one cohesive effort of sustainable support for Liberian schools.

1.         Recycling Books

Each US college student is asked to donate one used college textbook at the end of his/her academic semester.  The student is also asked to purchase one used college textbook from the project’s online book store for his/her next class.

2.         Building Literacy Centers

The proceeds generated from the sale of 1,000 used college textbooks allow us to deploy a complete literacy center within a Liberian community.  These literacy centers are powered by wind and solar renewable electricity.

3.         Renewable Electricity

Renewable electricity sources generate Renewable Energy Certificates.  Each literacy center in Liberia will generate renewable energy certificates which are then sold as Renewable Energy Offsets to cover the costs of maintaining the literacy centers and training more teachers.

4.         Educational Resources

The literacy centers allow us to provide training to each community in the areas of Basic Literacy, Computer Literacy, Financial Literacy, Environmental Literacy, Health Literacy, and Job Skills Training.

How will this idea positively impact the lives of Liberian poor and vulnerable people?

More than 95% of Liberia’s school were damaged or destroyed during the country’s civil conflict.  The construction of 1,200 literacy centers will add significant resources to the existing schools and those to be constructed in the future.  Each literacy center will train an estimated 1,500 people during the project period.  An estimated 1.8 million Liberian lives will be positively touched.  Literacy centers supported by the Liberian Books Project will allow local communities access to resources and training in the areas of:

•Basic Literacy

•Computer Literacy

•Financial Literacy

•Health Literacy

•Environmental Literacy

Job Training Skills

Why now?

In 2005, the people of Liberia went to the polls in the largest numbers in the country’s recent history.  Liberians shattered the ceiling on gender equality in Africa by electing Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, as Africa's first elected female head of state.  Her election marked a renewed focus on the development of Liberia's ruined education infrastructure and a commitment to achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals of 2015.

June 2009, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has formally launched a grassroots literacy movement, Literate Liberia, in Monrovia, with an assurance that her government will continue to support efforts to provide educational opportunities for Liberians who wish to learn, particularly market women.

The people of Liberia now eagerly await the world’s support.

What is the measurable impact that could be expected in 3-5 years?

Impact of the Liberian Books Project Activities

In Liberia:

•300,000 gently used books for literacy centers

•1,200 trained teachers

•1,200 literacy centers

•10 Megawatts of renewable electricity—wind and solar power to Liberian schools

In the US:

•1,200 trained literacy tutors to work in US communities

•120 US trained teachers

•1 Megawatt of renewable electricity—wind and solar power for US communities.

What does this project cost?

Each Literacy center is estimated to cost $9,000.

·         Cost of organizing a US College partner book drive--$500.

·         Proceeds from sale of used books to deploy literacy center in Liberia--$8,500

(View Project Cost Breakdown)

What are the components of a complete literacy center?

Project Benefits

Each US college partner collects 1,000 used college textbooks to support a Liberian school.  We plan to sell approximately 452 books to raise $8500 and provide a complete package of support to one Liberian school.  The package of educational support will include the following:

Scholarships are extended to each Liberian teacher provided by 13 used textbooks sold to raise $250.  On June 19, 2009, Kakata Rural Teachers Training Institute (KRTTI) in Kakata, Margibi County, Liberia, held its first graduation for trained teachers in 20 years. There were 178 teachers awarded certificates.  Through the Liberian Books Project, 1200 additional Liberian teachers will be trained at KRTTI by 2015.  (read details)

A Small library of Books is delivered by the sale of 13 used college textbooks to raise $250.  The books will be presented to each Liberian school in recognition of their US college partner.  These books will be used to advance the basic literacy needs of students and individuals within the community.  (read details)

Renewable Electricity is provided by the sale of 266 used college textbooks to raise $5,000.  A 1kw wind and solar powered generator system is delivered to produce renewable electricity for the school complex.  (read details)

Computers are provided by the sale of 53 used college textbooks to raise $1,000.  A small network of computers will allow each school’s library to be connected through the internet with that of other schools in the country.  (read details)

Internet Access is provided by the sale of 53 used college textbooks to raise $1,000.  Internet Access will allow Liberian teachers access to the most updated teaching tools as well as the ability to work collaboratively with other teachers across the country.  (read details)

Aztec Software is provided by the sale of 13 used college textbooks to raise $250.  Aztec Software is a leading computerized learning tool.  The software supports learners in the areas of K-12^th grade levels, General Education Development (GED), financial literacy and basic literacy. The Liberian Books Project employs Aztec’s Learning System—a unique method of Assess-Test-Learn-Practice-Test (ATLPT) to ensure the consistency and quality of each learner’s experience.  (read details)

Clean Water Systems are provided by the sale of 26 used college textbooks to raise $500.  Electricity and pump equipment delivered will allow each school to pump clean water from below ground wells to make it more accessible to students.  (read details)

What can one do to help?

Support Us!

Thank you,

More information can be found in our 2009-2010 Campus Guide:

The Liberian Books Project Campus Guide 2009-2010