English Language Fellow Bryce Smedley organized a book donation from Books for Africa, an American non-profit organization, and distributed 16,000 free English language books to more than 260 schools throughout Kinshasa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The event brought together teachers from local primary and secondary schools and was covered by several national media outlets, including TV stations, radio, and print journalists. The event also included an open house that showcased U.S. Embassy English language programs for visiting school headmasters and English teachers.
One teacher said, “These are the first books my school has ever received. These books make a big difference.” Ambassador James Swan, Public Affairs Officer Ellen Masi, and Vice Minister of Education Maguy Rwakabuba attended the event.
Smedley said, “These books are another resource teachers can use to create dynamic lessons that get students to learn English and develop their critical thinking skills.”