The Book Project located at JB-3 Room 105 is open on Mondays,Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 am to 3pm. It is a non profit organization that supports education through books to underprivileged children and adults in developing countries across the world and is entirely operated by a group of volunteers who belong to the World Bank Family Network.

Thousands of books that are donated by local schools and private donors have to be sorted, stamped and packed into boxes ready to be shipped. The necessary paper work has to be completed and reliable distributors have to be found so that the books reach the appropriate destinations.

As a consequence, this multifaceted operation offers volunteers the option to work at a field of their choice and at their own schedule. Not many organizations can accommodate such an opportunity. The project also welcomes visitors to drop by and be given a tour of the work accomplished by the volunteers without commitment to participate. However almost always, those who learn and observe the work done at the project are so impressed that they often return to offer a much needed helping hand.

The magnitude of this ongoing organization is reflected by the success of its efforts. Presidents and dedicated volunteers, past and present have all contributed selflessly and made history having shipped over three million books to 98 countries across the world.

One of the volunteers who recently joined the team, Mr. Osvaldo is a computer analyst from Mozambique who spends his sparetime helping at the project. When asked what motivated him to work for this particular organization, his response was spontaneous. He mentioned that he enjoyed meeting the diverse and vibrant group of volunteers and emphasized the fact that the president of the project Josephine Barry had especially impressed him from day one by her willingness to offer help to everyone no matter what they needed and no matter how busy she was with her own duties.

The team working for the book project is sad that Josephine’s term as its President is coming to an end. Her friendly nature, total dedication and her sense of humor has been an important factor that has given the volunteers and staff an incentive to achieve even higher goals. Her successor, Hilary Welsh has already begun to carry on with the work with the same zest and dedication and holds promise to keep the project going.

For further information contact us at bookprojectwbfn@worldbank.org or 202 473-8960.

By Sue Ramachandran