An initiative run by the University of Bath to distribute surplus textbooks to support students in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Middle East has been expanded.
Readcycle Bath, which aims to ‘inspire reading, studying and sharing books for the global good’ by sending management and engineering textbooks to universities in Nigeria, has been widened to include Moi University in Eldoret, Kenya.
Dr Teslim Bukoye, Associate Professor in the School of Management and the driving force behind the project, said he was delighted to have been able to help students at Moi University with the book donations and that he hoped the project would be able to expand further.
Dr Bukoye, who is also the University of Bath’s Director of International Exchanges, said: “Kenya is a significant step but we would like to grow this project to encompass other countries in Africa, Asia, Caribbean and the Middle East – we are currently seeking more funding and support.”
Professor Abraham Mulwo, Dean of the School of Information Sciences at Moi University, added: “Readcycle’s support will enrich our resources and contribute to the education and development of our students and faculty.
“The donated books will be instrumental in expanding the scope of our curriculum, facilitating research, and nurturing the intellectual growth of our students and faculty.
“This donation represents more than just a collection of books; it symbolizes a partnership between our institutions in fostering academic excellence and promoting knowledge sharing.”
Dr Bukoye said the idea for Readcycle Bath was born when he and his colleagues moved into the new campus School of Management building and found, as they were clearing out their old offices, that many had recent editions of modern management textbooks that were no longer being used.
The faculty of Engineering and Design is also now participating in the scheme.
He said: “I thought, how wonderful if we could collect these and ship to universities and students who could benefit from them.
“These are not old books – often management and engineering textbooks are re-issued regularly with small changes – so their contents remain valid.
“I put out a call to my colleagues and their response was marvellous – we have already shipped hundreds of management and engineering textbooks to Nigeria and I am confident we can do more.”
Dr Bukoye said his role as Director of International Exchanges involved enhancing the academic experience of students in high income countries (HIC) in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America.
But he said he wanted to extend support to students in low and middle income countries (LMIC) and universities in line with the University’s aims around meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as improving education, and reducing inequality and poverty.
Dr Bukoye said the simple act of donating a book and benefiting an individual student has a significant multiplier effect on society, education, equality and wealth distribution in developing nations.
He added: “I think the power of books resonates with us all, and particularly academics. We have had the most fantastic response – both from those donating the books, and those receiving the books in Nigeria.
“It is very heartening and I look forward to seeing the impact of the expansion to Kenya.”
