Africa Aid launches textbook campaign with Amazon.com
Students can help African refugees by purchasing books online
Stephanie Harris, Staff Writer
Issue date: 2/12/08 Section: Features
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The textbook campaign is challenging college and university students nationwide to raise $100,000 to support Africa Aid's programs such as the School Lunch and Educational Enhancement Program (SLP). Money gained though textbook sales will help develop all of Africa Aid's programs in the partner community the Budubram Liberian Refugee Settlement in Ghana. Just one $60 textbook purchase can feed a refugee child for a month.
"Students are generally on such a limited budget, we wanted to provide a way to help that didn't cost them any additional time or money," said Sarah Locher, member of Africa Aid's marketing team.
Founder, Executive Director and UCSD alumni Eric Woods along with co-founder Steven Selzer believe university resources should be used to aid Africa in the development of economics, education, and accessible health care and cleaner water. In order to reach these goals poverty stricken areas of Africa are united with their American community counterparts. With the assistance of San Diego State University and the University of San Diego, Africa Aid has been able to establish education programs and relief projects to help the African communities.
"If it only takes a click of the mouse to help then why not do it," said Katie Teschler, President of the SSU Invisible Children Club.
San Diego natives Teschler and Treasurer Michelle Roach brought the Invisible Children Club they established in high school to SSU this year. The club raises awareness and helps college students become active in Africa relief.
The non-profit organization Invisible Children Incorporated was founded after three filmmakers from San Diego showcased their documentary "Invisible Children: Rough Cut." The film broadcast the effects the Sudanese civil war was having on Uganda, its neighbor to the south.
"I want to be part of any humanitarian efforts that create a better Africa whether it be through the organization I represent or one similar to it," said Teschler.
Currently Africa Aid's first public service announcement for the textbook campaign can be viewed on YouTube.com. Using the Internet as a tool to raise awareness is key for the organization.
"By the beginning of the next semester, we hope to make a larger push through the addition of a fully functional Facebook application to allow students to search for books and purchase them right through their Facebook profile," said Locher.
For additional information about Africa Aid visit www.africaaid.com. For additional information about Invisible Children visit www.invisiblechildren.com.