By Kalan Gott

You know you are irreplaceable. There is something about your weight in my hand, the sound of each page as I eagerly turn it waiting to see what you hold in store, the sense of accomplishment I feel when I see the pages on the right side are significantly less than those on the left, indicating I am close to the end. Book you are comfort by a fire when the rain pelts the windows. You are advice and guidance in any area of life. You are a vacation from reality and an adventure into possibility. You are nourishment for my mind and encouragement for my imagination. Despite the state of the world or economy with you in my hand I have never felt richer. You are the greatest gift. A gift every man, woman, and child deserves. Let’s share the wealth!

By Anastasia Gruper

The beginning of August brought the start of our new school year. While building schedules, analyzing data, collaborating with my teammates, and preparing the building, my excitement for new learning and new beginnings grew. The teachers were the first to return; that’s always my favorite time: swapping amazing adventures from the summer break. The students followed shortly after in the same manner. As we are into the swing of things, I find myself constantly reflecting on the similarities and differences between Africa and the U.S. There are so many cultures, educational philosophies, political systems, and economic systems to learn. There are experiences and knowledge to be had and shared. As we prepare our students today for a global economy in the future, my hope is their literacy skills will be strong enough to build sustaining communities globally

By Kalan Gott

“Poverty does not mean the inability to succeed. It means a child/family doesn’t have money.” This is a quote from Cynthia “Mama J” Johnson. She presented to a huge group of new teachers for an orientation I attended. After hearing this all of my thoughts turned to Zambia and the poor students sitting in our classrooms here in the United States. I thought about all of the challenges students, parents, and educators face throughout the school year. It amazes me that despite the challenges it really comes down to this idea Mama J shares. Poverty does not mean the inability to succeed. The families living in poverty are just as eager to learn, just as eager to read, and just as eager for you to believe in them.

Dear Mal,
In December, the Peace Corps volunteers in Luapula Province are going to put on a girls empowerment camp called Camp GLOW. Girls from all over the province come in order to learn about empowering topics including HIV/AIDS awareness, other health related issues, and to discuss their futures as young women. Last April we put on this camp and A to Z Literacy Movement sent boxes of books to distribute to the girls attending the camp. The girls received many things including notebooks, hair ties, etc… but of all the things they were the most excited about were the books. The girls in my village then returned and I see them reading with other girls in the village. We’re grateful for the books A to Z shipped and we’d like to know if you could send us some more. Thank you!

Are you a book stacker? Do you have piles of books in certain areas of your home? Do you utilize hard covers and paperbacks as part of your home decorating? Part of your style? I’m a fan of stacks. Books bring me real joy and to see them in different parts of my home makes me smile. With purpose, I have created little vignettes of books, stacking Maya Angelou with Harper Lee or grouping Spinelli with Creech and Clearly. These books have transported me to different places. These books have shifted my thinking. Put them back on a shelf? No, I need to see them. I need to be reminded of how a novel or piece of nonfiction can impact my life.

By Pat Kelly

America is a land of plenty and a land of opportunity. I am quite sure any American would agree.
A to Z has had a great wealth of books bestowed upon us since our inception three years ago. The majority of these donated books “work” in Zambia. That is to say, the subject matter will be understood by Zambian children. A small fraction of the books that we receive are not what we can use and we look to recycle those books to local communities in keeping with our mission.
During 2012, A to Z has partnered with our friends at Project Pembroke. We have sent 19 boxes of books to the children of Hopkins Park & Pembroke Township, IL as part of our local outreach. With the books go our usual wishes of encouragement and success. This quest we are on has no geographic boundaries- no one is unworthy of our help. So you see, we try to utilize each book that comes our way, to make sure the book cover is cracked open and the story begins…

By Ann Yanchura

On Monday, we had the pleasure of meeting Margaret, who is an administrator in Every Orphan’s Hope/Zambia main office. What an inspiring lady she is; having raised a family of her own, she has become the unofficial matriarch of this hardworking and committed group of missionaries. After we finished cataloging over 600 books donated by A to Z, she came in to bask in the excitement we share in getting these books into readers’ hands. After hearing her profuse appreciation, we thanked her for all the hard work SHE does day in and out. And here is what she said: I would not be able to keep going without your help and support.
This is what we would like to say to you. Thank you for your love, your prayers, your donations, keeping the home fires burning, your work to make this trip possible, and your general, overall support. We miss you and feel honored to be here representing your commitment and caring. It’s been a wild ride – and we are looking forward to being home soon – but we all return home changed and will always miss Zambia.
2012 A to Z Literacy Team: Mal, Kalan, Stasia, Mariann and Ann