Books over the Sea Inc. is a newly formed charity supporting the educational and literacy needs of children in remote and disadvantaged communities in Fiji through the provision of children’s books and educational resources.

History

Books over the Sea Incorporated was established in March 2015 by Andrew and Miriam Verus from Southern Sydney, NSW, Australia.

From 1995-2002, Andrew lived on the remote island of Kadavu, the southernmost island of Fiji. It was during this time Andrew developed relationships with the Fijian people experiencing their culture and learning about their way of life which birthed a great love for the country. Sharing this love of Fiji with family, friends and eventually his wife Miriam, led to a desire to give something back to the people who despite having very little are extremely giving of themselves.

Since 2010 donated supplies have been taken out to the Vacalea Primary School including books, stationery and sporting equipment kindly donated by friends and family. In 2011 the birth of the idea that would later form Books over the Sea Inc. was formed when Miriam, a librarian with a passion for children’s books and literacy development, delivered a storytime for the students of Vacalea Primary School. It was overwhelmingly evident the great joy a simple picture book could bring and the way the book’s story and pictures brought imaginations to life ~ a moment that would never be forgotten.

The first project for Books over the Sea is the building of a school library, designed by Couvaras Architects, for the students of Vacalea Primary School. It was very exciting to find an idea on our heart perfectly matched what the Vacalea School community wanted for their children. It became even more exciting when so many people started volunteering their time, skills and resources to make it happen.

We have three teams heading out in June, August and November to prepare foundations, build and put finishing touches to a free standing library.

Whilst this is going on we’re collecting childrens books through approaches to local libraries and book drives within our local community.

Our primary two needs are finances to build the library and books to fill it once complete. We are in discussions with the Australian High Commission in Suva who have also been enthusiastic about the project. At this stage we are hopeful of receiving some funding under a Direct Aid Program grant. This is available to projects that meet the overseas development priorities of the Australian government. The major costs involved in the project include building supplies, tools and a generator for the building phase and freight costs for the transport of donated books.

If you would like to support Books over the Sea, you can email us for more information at supportus@booksoverthesea.org.au.