Distribution of Uncle Tefy

The 385 books for the schools in Ambohimanambola and the surrounding were distributed in January and February. We have now got the report and the pictures from the distribution, and they are very encouraging. All the children in the 5^th grade at seven schools received their book, and they also brought their parents to listen to the training about literature and reading.

Teachers and pupils carrying the books to their school

Pupils in Ambohimanambola

Pupils in Ambalavao (Ambohimanambola)

Parents gathered in the classroom

The green book “Ampanirio” has been sent to the printing house

We have now sent the manuscript of the environment book "Ampanirio" written by young people from Antsirabe to the printing house in Antananarivo. It remains to wait for the test print which we hope will come not too long after Easter.

One of the paintings included in the book, made by the girl Hasina

The youth in Toliara is interested in books

Today we were at the marked place again, as last Saturday. There were even more people stepping by today, and many took their time looking at the books and reading. We are very happy that so many especially young people are interested in our books. Many of them asked us to come to the market place every day and not once a week, but unfortunately this will be impossible for us.
Next Saturday, however, we will be at the same place again together with our books.

There was a person stepping by today who turned out to be a poet and asked for cooperation. We hope that our approach will make us known to other authors, poets and illustrators in order to be able to promote the talents of Toliara’s youth.

Public launching of Uncle Tefy

Today was the official launching of the book Uncle Tefy in Toliara city center near the market place. We made it very simple and brought the books in our car which we positioned on the place we had been given by the municipality.

We brought information material and books, and there were many people passing by to ask what we were doing. For most of them, children’s books in Malagasy language was a totally new thing, and they were very eager to hear more about our work. We also met representatives from schools and bookstores here in Toliara.

We have promised to be present at the same place almost every Saturday now, so that those who want to bring friends or colleagues can come and talk to us. We hope that we will be able to sell books and make negotiations concerning distribution during the next few Saturdays. We also plan to have readings for children here.