At Aussie Books for Zim (ABZ) we collect new and gently used books, stationery and library furnishings and ship them to Zimbabwe to set up libraries in rural disadvantaged communities. We seek to improve literacy in disadvantaged communities—to empower children with knowledge and the confidence to help shape the world they live in.
The idea for the project emerged after the founder, Dr Alfred Chidembo, saw how many books were discarded annually in Australia. The idea of ‘turning trash into treasure’ gave birth to the ABZ project. It’s a win-win situation. Zimbabwe gets the books—a gift that keeps on giving—and Australia has a little less landfill.