In June 2008, CEO of Books for Hope, Grace Sai, has collaborated with a private university, Universitas Pelita Harapan, to conduct a massive book donation drive from the students in the Business and Management faculty. A total of 3000 books were collected, with a substantial amount of brand new children storybooks, encyclopedias and a full set of Harry Porter.

Credit goes to lecturer, Lianti Raharjo who thinks that undergraduates should be instilled with a sense of social responsibility as part of a wholesome education. Giving to the underprivileged is a way to raise social awareness among students. In return, Grace made 6 presentations across 3 days to several lecture groups, explaining Books for Hope’s mission and how students’ contributions bring positive impact to marginalized communities across Indonesia.

The day went by with scenes of students listening attentively to our presentations, and of the male students carrying loads and loads of books to be transported away. Some students even wrote us personal ‘Thank You’ notes for showing them a world they might not have known. Several even volunteered to be teachers for our Weekend Enrichment Workshops. Well done!

The books collected will be distributed to 3 villages in the regions of Tangerang and Cianjur where Books for Hope will be starting 3 new libraries. For now, kudos to the staff and students of Universitas Pelita Harapan.

For more information on how your school/ university can help in Books for Hope’s projects, please contact us at info@booksforhopeworld.org or contact Lydia at +62 818 0624 0834.