Children in Zimbabwe typically speak Shona or Ndebele growing up, yet their education is in English. Children in Hands of Hope homes are at a greater educational disadvantage coming from trauma and poverty.   Despite these challenges, they are eager to learn. Books provide opportunity to escape, to explore, to learn, to grow, to dream, and to hope.

Currently, the libraries in Hands of Hope homes in Zimbabwe have books without covers, pages torn, and titles that are very outdated. On the shelves, the most recent piece of fiction was from 1988. The goal of this project is to provide opportunities for literacy that are relevant and appropriate to the kids in each home.    

We are looking to build libraries in each of our 18 homes as well as collecting books to fill the libraries. If you have books you would like to donate, feel free to contact Allison Cartmill at surrendertohope@gmail.com.