In a heartening development for academic communities across Africa, England’s University of Bath’s innovative book donation initiative, ‘Readcycle Bath,’ has announced its expansion to Kenya. This significant move promises to extend the scheme’s impact beyond Nigeria, where it has already made a notable difference.
Launched initially as a local effort to repurpose surplus textbooks, ‘Readcycle Bath’ has grown into a transformative project with international reach. The scheme began when Dr. Teslim Bukoye and his colleagues, preparing to relocate their office, discovered a trove of outdated textbooks. What started as a simple idea—redistributing these books to those in need—has blossomed into a program that now sends educational resources to universities in Africa, with plans to expand further across other continents.
The expansion to Kenya will see surplus management and engineering textbooks shipped to Moi University, a key educational institution in the country. Prof. Abraham Mulwo, Dean of the School of Information Sciences at Moi University, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “Readcycle’s support will enrich our resources and contribute to the education and development of our students and faculty. The donated books will be instrumental in expanding the scope of our curriculum, facilitating research, and nurturing the intellectual growth of our students and faculty. This donation represents more than just a collection of books; it symbolizes a partnership between our institutions in fostering academic excellence and promoting knowledge sharing.”
The ‘Readcycle Bath’ scheme has already demonstrated its value in Nigeria, where hundreds of textbooks have been sent to various universities, enhancing academic resources and providing critical support to students and educators. The expansion to Kenya is a testament to the scheme’s success and its potential to make a broader impact.
Dr. Bukoye, reflecting on the journey of ‘Readcycle Bath,’ highlighted the profound significance of the project. “I think the power of books resonates with us all. I look forward to seeing the impact of the expansion to Kenya,” he said. His sentiment underscores the core mission of the initiative: leveraging the transformative power of books to foster educational development and global knowledge sharing.
The decision to focus on surplus management and engineering textbooks stems from a recognition of the critical need for such resources in many universities. By targeting these fields, ‘Readcycle Bath’ aims to address gaps in educational materials that are vital for students pursuing careers in these areas.
As ‘Readcycle Bath’ continues to grow, Dr. Bukoye envisions further expansions across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. “I am confident we can do more,” he affirmed. The scheme’s ongoing success is not only a reflection of the generosity of those donating books but also of the profound impact that such donations can have on educational system s worldwide.
In a world where access to quality educational resources can be a significant barrier to academic success, initiatives like ‘Readcycle Bath’ offer a beacon of hope. By redistributing surplus textbooks to institutions in need, the project embodies the principle that knowledge should be shared and accessible to all. As the scheme embarks on this new chapter in Kenya, it promises to further its mission of fostering educational growth and enhancing academic opportunities across the globe. The expansion of ‘Readcycle Bath’ to Kenya is more than just an extension of a successful project; it represents a commitment to the power of books and their ability to shape and enrich lives. Through continued efforts, this initiative stands poised to make a lasting difference in the educational landscape, one book at a time.
