Long Distance Library is an organization that donates stories written by you to children learning how to read in Namibia, Africa. The organization was founded by Maria, Rob, and Kaitlin. We are all cousins. Maria attends college in New York. Rob attends high school in Pennsylvania and is in the 10th grade. Kaitlin, a ninth grader, attends high school in New Jersey. 

We come from a tight-knit family with many cousins (21 to be exact).  One of our cousins, Kyle, decided to travel to a country in Africa called Namibia. He went there to teach English to 4th and 5th graders. Kyle, who is 27 years old, is a schoolteacher of underprivileged children in Onekwaya, Namibia. He was given this opportunity through a program called "World Teach." The children in this area are living in poor conditions and all show a strong desire to learn the English language. In Africa, the students are called "learners." Kyle quickly noticed that there was a lack of good books for his learners to read.  He also noticed that they loved to hear stories - any stories - fairy tales, personal stories, made-up stories, true stories...whatever!  When he blogged about his experiences, the three of us came together and thought of a way to make it possible for Kyle's students to have plenty of stories. That is how Long Distance Library got started.
  
Kyle says, "The library here at Ndapona is in dire need of help. My goal is to slowly increase its book population throughout the school year in the most cost effective way as possible. Buying books does not fit in that motto. The learners here love reading stories, but they are unfortunately in short supply."

Most of the learners have a 4th to 7th grade reading level. They want to hear from you! Write your own story for the learners to read! This will help them in their learning and studies, and will also make them happy to own a new book! See "Guidelines" for specific instructions on how you can help.