Alexander McCall Smith Brings Literature To Young Refugees

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Acclaimed author Alexander McCall Smith has discussed his contribution towards a project to bring the joys of literature to young refugees with the help of UNHCR.

The novelist has become one of 18 acclaimed authors helping to ensure that children living in refugee camps can also enjoy the pleasures of reading. The writers have each contributed a short story to a collection entitled “What You Wish For” and organized by the Book Wish Foundation. All of the proceeds will be donated to UNHCR to build libraries in camps housing more than quarter-of-a-million refugees displaced by the conflict in Darfur.

McCall Smith, who is best known for “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency,” spoke recently with UNHCR’s Laura Padoan about “The Strange Story of Bobby Box,” his contribution to the collection, and why he believes that books are vital to our well-being. Excerpts from the interview:

British Stars Sign Favorite Books For Africa

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:30:00 +0000

Some of Britain’s best loved stars have signed editions of their favorite books for a new charity auction.

Helen Mirren, Joanna Lumley, and Ian McKellen are amongst the celebrities to sign the books, which cover a wide variety of genres.

“Education offers a route out of poverty and books are the foundation of lifelong learning, yet the majority of people in Africa cannot afford books of their own,” said Lesley Pinder, Book Aid International spokeswoman. “The proceeds from this online auction will help Book Aid International support reading and learning in some of the world’s poorest countries by getting books into libraries, universities, hospitals and refugee camps.”

Look To The Stars News: Alexander McCall Smith

Alexander McCall Smith Brings Literature To Young Refugees

British Stars Sign Favorite Books For Africa