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Coronavirus (Covid-19) updates

A quick update about what Books2Africa is doing in response to these uncertain times caused by the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our top priority is the health and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers and supporters. Key to this is following government recommendations closely. Thankfully no suspected cases of COVID-19 have been reported amongst our staff and volunteers. Our Processing Centre in Canterbury is still operational and well stocked with the enough books and resources to ship to Africa.

Please read our updates below on steps taken to minimise the risk to staff, volunteers and supporters.

Books2Africa Coronavirus Update II - 23 Mar 2020

Public Book Collections Suspended: Effective today, we are suspending our collection service for book donations by members of the public in the UK. Although this will affect our book donation numbers, it would reduce the workload on our paid staff who continue to work during this difficult period to ensure the charity remains operational. This will be reviewed at the end of Easter on 14th April 2020.
Warehouse Volunteering Suspended: Effective today, we are suspending all volunteering work at the Processing Centre in Canterbury. This means all our UK and International Volunteers are no longer allowed to come into the Canterbury site. Although this will affect our processing and sorting capacity, it makes it easier for us to enforce government advise on social distancing and minimise the risk to paid staff who continue to work normal hours, ensuring our charity shop remains operational and shipments to Africa are dispatched. This will be reviewed at the end of Easter on 14th April 2020.
Online Volunteering: During this suspension of warehouse volunteering, we will be assigning all our volunteers to our Education Team to work on a variety of fundraising tasks online. To this end, all our International Volunteers are required to attend an online Skype meeting with our Director of Education on Wednesday 25th March at 9:30 am. UK volunteers who would like to join in can also email [email protected] to indicate their interest in order to receive further instructions on joining the meeting.

Developed symptoms? In line with Government advise, we strongly suggest that you please email us if you have developed any symptoms of the virus and avoid coming into work. These include if you or anyone living with you becomes unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature. Kindly read the Stay At Home Guide for more information. As the situation evolves, we are continuing to follow advice from the UK Government here: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

Finally a word of encouragement – Do not be afraid, stay safe and continue to have faith that this will soon pass.

Books2Africa Coronavirus Update I - 18 Mar 2020

The strictest hygiene standards are being followed at our Processing Centre, with hand sanitisers, disinfectant sprays, plastic gloves and posters reminding staff, volunteers and supporters to wash their hands regularly and wipe their work surfaces.

No contact deliveries: Couriers delivering boxes to the Processing Centre will no longer require you to sign by hand on delivery. Rather, they are advised to enter your initials.

Drop-offs and tours suspended: From next week, drop-off appointments by members of the public will be suspended until further notice. Until then, staff and volunteers are advised to receive deliveries without contact and avoid giving members of the public tours of the Processing Centre.

Developed symptoms? In line with Government advise, we strongly suggest you please email us if you have developed any symptoms of the virus and avoid coming to our offices. These include if you or anyone living with you becomes unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature. Kindly read the Stay At Home Guide for more information. As the situation evolves, we are continuing to follow advice from the UK Government here: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

We appreciate your understanding as the situation evolves and reassure you that we will take necessary steps to ensure your safety whilst trying to also fulfil our charitable objectives. If you need any support or advice, you can send us an email [email protected]

Thank you for your continued support and do subscribe to our coronavirus updates if you want to be remain updated.
Books2Africa UK Team

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Books delivered to students and teachers in Africa

UK Registered Charity No 1152599

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UK Registered Charity Number 1152599

Why Books2Africa

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Coronavirus (Covid-19) updates

Volume

Costs

Fundraising Target

30%

30%

40%