Aggreko to ‘power’ African literacy drive with Book Aid
International partnership
Aggreko donation provides 22,560 books, worth in excess of
GBP175,000
Disadvantaged groups in seven African countries and Sri Lanka to
benefit from the Aggreko donation
Initiative aims to promote literacy and create learning
opportunities in developing countries
Dubai – 5th March,
2007 Aggreko plc, global leader in providing temporary
power generation and temperature control services, are supporting
an initiative to support the distribution and availability of books
in Africa. Partnering with the respected charitable organisation,
Book Aid International, the Aggreko donation will provide over
22,500 books to enhance the education and learning of disadvantaged
groups in Africa. Dedicated to contributing in the countries in
which they operate, Aggreko is pleased to assist Book Aid’s
objective to promote literacy and creating learning opportunities
in developing countries.
Founded in 1954, Book Aid
International has an extensive network in the 17 sub-Saharan
countries and Sri Lanka and the agency also receives patronage from
His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh. Through a partnership
with the established network of local libraries and cultural
associations, the charity reaches the more disadvantaged groups
such as children and teenagers, the rural poor, adult literacy
learners and people with HIV/AIDS to ensure free and equitable
access to information.
“Literacy and education are key
components in bridging the gap between developing and developed
countries. Ensuring more books are made available to less
privileged groups in Africa and Sri Lanka gives these societies a
real opportunity for sustainable development. We are delighted to
partner with Book Aid International and contributing to this
initiative,” said Rupert Soames, CEO Aggreko.
Through this donation, Aggreko will
provide funding to assist seven African countries, - Nigeria,
Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Uganda - and Sri
Lanka. The books will range from novels to environmental protection
and vocational skills books with 60% purchased in the country’s
local language and the remaining 40% in English.
-Ends-