WHILE we in the UK may take books for granted, a Caterham couple are ensuring precious literary consignments are sent to deprived areas where they are prized.
The Fundanami Trust – Zulu for "let's learn together" – was formed five years ago by Mike and Eliz Wood to aid literacy in the South African region of Kwazulu Natal.
They are working on their latest consignment – shipping out 30,000 books in March via the port of Durban, to stock several schools' libraries.
Since forming the trust, they have overseen the collection of an astonishing 80,000 books for South Africa, divided between more than 20 schools.
Both of them are former teachers; Mrs Wood, 66, taught religion at St Bede's School in Redhill.
Her husband, 66, is a former principal of a secondary school in mid-Kent which forged links with a school in South Africa.
Mr Wood said: "We found that about 25 per cent of 12-year-olds have reading ages of less than eight. Literacy levels are very poor in South Africa.
"Unemployment awaits for as many as 80 per cent of children when they leave school. Being able to read is vital to help them get on the job ladder."
The grandfather-of-five, who lives in Court Road, said children in Britain were "inundated" with books in comparison.
The Woods have already amassed several thousand books ahead of the next shipment.
Last Thursday, with the help of Caterham Rotary Club which is supporting the trust, they collected about 1,000 books from Whyteleafe Primary School in Church Road. Several hundred books have also been donated by fellow worshippers at the Sacred Heart Church in Essendene Road, Caterham.
