I started the Malawi book project because I wanted to give. What I didn’t expect was how much the kids over there would end up giving back to me.
The thing that hit me hardest
Most kids I know have a shelf of books somewhere — even if they don’t read them. In some parts of Malawi, an entire school might share one book between dozens of children. One. Single. Book.
When I learned that, I couldn’t not do something. So I started collecting books — new ones, used ones, my own ones I’d already finished — and getting them shipped over.
What I expected vs. what happened
I thought I was sending books. What I was actually doing was sending worlds. When a kid who’s never owned a book opens one for the first time, you don’t just give them words on a page — you give them every place that book has ever taken anybody.
And here’s the part nobody warned me about: those kids reminded me how lucky I am every time I pick a book up like it’s nothing. I’ll never look at a bookshelf the same way again.
What you can do
- Look at your bookshelf right now. Are there books you’ve already read and won’t read again?
- Ask your parents if you can donate some. A kid in Malawi will keep that story alive for years.
- Tell your friends. One kid sharing a book is great. A whole class doing it? That’s a movement.
If you want to get involved in the Malawi project specifically, get in touch and I’ll point you to the right people.
Every child deserves a story. Let’s go give them one.
