WASHINGTON, D.C. – Peace Corps Volunteers serving in Cape Verde coordinated the donation of 35,000 books through the Books for Africa organization, marking the first of such donations to this island chain. The country of Cape Verde, off of the west coast of Africa, is comprised of 10 main islands and about eight islets.

The book donation was granted when Peace Corps Volunteers teamed with up with the U.S. Embassy and submitted a proposal to Books for Africa. The books filled a 40-foot container, and with the assistance of the U.S. Embassy, the books were then transported in lots of 25 or 30 boxes apiece to the eight islands where Volunteers serve, including Sao Vincente, a 24-hour boat ride from the distribution point. Over 30 Peace Corps Volunteers helped to select, pack, transport and distribute the books to local libraries, youth centers, schools and the University of Cape Verde.

Peace Corps/Cape Verde Country Director Henry Weiss said, “This book project will have a long-term impact in Cape Verde and will inspire others when they visit these libraries. The Peace Corps Volunteers, along with the U.S. Embassy, Peace Corps staff, local students and teachers did an incredible job. The team work involved to complete this project, in such a logistically challenging environment, was outstanding! ” .

The book distribution continued during a celebration of International Volunteer Day on December 5-6, 2007, in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, when Peace Corps Volunteers met with local teachers and students and identified needs in schools, youth and community centers. The local event raised awareness of the importance of libraries and energized many Cape Verdean educators to initiate library projects in their schools and youth centers.

Peace Corps Volunteers Emily Longenecker of Cincinnati, Ohio, Anthony Barnum of Pine Snag, Ark., and Nadia Fazel, of Phoenix, Ariz., helped the University of Cape Verde set up English sections in their libraries as well as systems to maintain the library collections.

Said Longenecker, “Creating and organizing the libraries here has been really exciting because as Cape Verde continues to develop, the access to resources is becoming more important. The students really take advantage of and appreciate the access to written material.”

Since 1988, more than 400 Peace Corps have served in Cape Verde. Currently 52 Peace Corps Volunteers are serving in the areas of youth, business and community development, English and vocational education. In addition to the book donation project, Peace Corps Volunteers in Cape Verde have assisted in opening a library at the English Studies Center of the National Teaching Institute. The Volunteers also helped raise funds to provide computers, shelving and other supplies. The library is a significant resource for Cape Verdean students, providing them with access to written materials and the Internet.

Victor Borges, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cape Verde recently said, “We recognize that English is the language of commerce, education, and international relations. Without the presence of Peace Corps in Cape Verde we could be severely handicapped in reaching our goal of securing Cape Verde’s place in the globalization process.”

The Peace Corps is celebrating a 47-year legacy of service at home and abroad. Currently there are 8,000 Volunteers abroad, a 37-year high for Volunteers in the field. Since 1961, more than 190,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries where Volunteers have served, including Cape Verde. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. To learn more about the Peace Corps, please visit our website: www.peacecorps.gov.

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