 |
|
|
CANADIAN AID HITS ANOTHER HOME RUN – Canadian international organization CODE celebrates success in Senegal.
Ottawa, Dec 20, 2007
Ottawa, December 20, 2007- A CODE partner in Africa has done it again. Senegal’s L’association Bibliothèque Lecture Développement (BLD), has won a prestigious African publishing prize for its effective contributions to the fight to expand literacy in the developing world through high quality children’s books.
The Alioune Diop Prize was created in 1995 and is awarded every two years by the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), the international body that serves to promote and celebrate French language and culture globally.
This award recognizes BLD for its outstanding success in the production of Francophone children’s books relevant to the African experience. The organization has been collaborating with writers and illustrators to improve the availability and quality of books for Senegalese children for more than a decade.
“This recognition is wonderful because it proves we are making a difference,” says Mariame Kanté, responsible for editing at BLD. “I remember we used to read children stories from the Occident. The language was awkward and there were few illustrations. Now our children can access creative and inspiring books that make them want to learn.”
With support from CODE and the Canadian International Development Agency, BLD distributes about 10,000 Francophone and local language children’s books to local schools and libraries across Senegal each year. In addition, the organization supports the professional development of librarians and teachers through training workshops. Through BLD’s efforts, these educators learn how to make libraries centres of excellence and fun for their students.
CODE, Canada’s leading international education and literacy development organization, has had an ongoing partnership with BLD since 1994. By partnering with BLD, CODE supports Senegalese as they identify and address their own education needs. Support from CODE has provided BLD with a great deal of credibility within West Africa and the international publishing world.
“Having partnered with BLD for nearly 15 years, CODE celebrates this achievement and the strong impact this organization is having on raising the standards of book production and literacy in Senegal and around Africa,” says CODE Executive Director Scott Walter.
CODE and its partners have been honoured by the Government of Canada, the International Reading Association, as well as various national and international bodies, including UNESCO three times for their work in education and literacy. In 2004, a BLD book was selected for the International Boards of Books for Young Peoples virtual exhibit of high quality children’s books from Africa.
Click here to find out more about the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
View all News Releases
