Today, let’s dedicate some time to explaining WHY we are all doing this.

I think we know WHAT it is….it is an effort to get a LOT of books.  It is all part of a Guinness World Record attempt to break a record for the “Most Books Donated To Charity in 7 Days”.  Yes, breaking a world record is exciting.  Yes, Guinness World Records is the authority on these attempts.  But WHY this record?  WHY at this time?  WHY in this way?  One at a time…

WHY this record – “Most Books Donated To Charity in 7 Days”?

• We need to start with what is being donated – BOOKS!  Why is that important?  Because we are in need of reading material.  In general, there is a need to upgrade the collection at the libraries in Jamaica.  They have reading programs – and they don’t have enough books and enough variety.  Of critical importance is that Jamaica has a deficiency of reading material for children – the most important time in a child’s life is in the early childhood years.  We have reading programs, and limited books. Rotary chose the library service as the primary recipient deliberately.  First, it was the MOST fair.  The library service provides books islandwide with branches, school, mobile, hospitals, prisons, children’s homes, nursing homes etc.  EVERYONE would benefit.  Second, they are the best custodian for books – that’s what libraries do – they care for books.  So these donations will last for a very long time.  NOW, IF we get enough books for children, they can go to the basic schools.  BUT we have A LOT of basic schools and we cannot give some and not others – that would not be fair for a national and international effort.  Appropriate books will go to Haiti – they are in desperate need for books.

• We need to also look at literacy.  Books are a critical part of achieving literacy – people need material to read.  More material, more variety, more appropriate material – more literacy.  Literacy is the foundation of sustainable development.

1. There is a proven link between literacy and reduced crime – people who are literate use options like reasoning and debate to handle differences rather than violence.
2. There is a proven link between literacy and improved health – people who read and understand what they are reading can take appropriate preventative measures, give the right dosage for medication etc.
3. There is a proven link between literacy and economic development. People who are literate are easier to train, more easily advance through the education system and can be more productive and develop industries and sectors that contribute to society. I could go on, but I think you get the picture.

• It is an achievement that would be a collective effort.  No one person will be doing it.

• It is an achievement that will be in the service of others “donated to charity”

WHY at this time?

• We are in a literacy crisis in Jamaica.  85% is commendable, but below target.  More than 75% of children are entering Grade 1 and are NOT emergent readers.  That is completely unacceptable.  How can we stay at 85% or improve – we are moving in the wrong direction.  We need more books, we need more appropriate books, we need all stakeholders to be seized with the urgency of this problem.  This project is about books AND awareness.  In Haiti, before the earthquake, the literacy rate was about 45%.  In the absence of serious help, this will only deteriorate and rapidly so.

• In Jamaica, we are inundated with negative news.  Too many to mention here.  But here is a chance for us all to work together to show that we can work together – all stakeholders – and do something in the national interest for the betterment of those less fortunate, and the whole society at large.   The week of the record attempt is being designed specifically to be something positive, something for others and something fun.

• To really help Haiti, let us use this opportunity of having all this media and interest to draw attention to a way to help Haiti in a sustainable way- through education.  Education helps every person to help himself or herself.

WHY in this way?

• Well, since everyone will benefit, everyone should participate.  Everyone can be a part of this history.  The books are going to a place that everyone can access them.

• This project is about books and awareness.  There is no requirement to have events but we are having them PRECISELY to draw attention to the literacy problem and the fact that with MINIMAL EFFORT everyone can do SOMETHING about it.  So we have had ‘Breathe for Books’, ‘First Fridays’ and upcoming are “Oldies Session on April 10th’ and ‘Drive for the Drive’ golf tournament on April 28th – both have prizes for the most books.  Other organizations have generously allowed and are allowing the book drive to be associated.  So far, Farenheit dedicated his birthday party to the Race to Literacy, and BNM is doing another dedication this Wednesday.  Some more events are coming up so look for those.

• The week of the Guinness World Record attempt will be full of events for the family – again, to raise awareness and give everyone a good time while doing a good deed.  May 1-May 7 we will be in Emancipation Park – specifically requested because the people see that Park as their own.  Events will be announced soon but I promise you they are not to be missed.  That is the official donation period.  We will be collecting, counting, packing boxes and stacking boxes with the media out there plus live streaming on the Internet, integrated with Facebook and Twitter for all seven days.

So please, share this post.  Give books today.  Let’s make history together.  But most importantly, let’s change the world…WE can actually shape an entire generation with this project.  “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead