Spotlight shines on Thomson Reuters-Books For Africa partnership
Thomson Reuters longstanding partnership with Books For Africa (BFA) was in the spotlight in early May on a day that celebrated both the productive past and the potential that lies ahead for both organizations.
Books for Africa honored Thomson Reuters with its Kilimanjaro Society Award of Merit at its annual awards breakfast on Wednesday, May 7. The Kilimanjaro Award recognizes Books For Africa supporters who make a profound difference for the organization and the populations it serves on the African continent.
Pat Plonski, Books For Africa executive director, said “The need for books remains very intense across the African continent at all levels, from elementary to high school, and from university to law school. The Kilimanjaro Society is critical to helping Books for Africa to create a culture of literacy and empower the next generation of parents, teachers and leaders in Africa.”
Later that day, Tom Pfeifer, global head of sales and customer experience for Thomson Reuters Legal, joined Books For Africa’s leadership team, board of directors and more than 300 of the organization’s most enthusiastic supporters at an annual fundraising luncheon at the Town & Country Club in St. Paul. Tom introduced keynote speaker Liberata Mulamula, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United States, who spoke to attendees about the importance of Books For Africa in advancing the lives of people in Tanzania and throughout East Africa.
And following the luncheon, Thomson Reuters hosted the East Africa Business Forum at its Eagan campus. Dignitaries, including Ambassador Mulamula and leaders from General Mills, Land O’ Lakes and other firms, discussed investment opportunities in East Africa and how growth throughout the continent will play a vital role in global prosperity. The forum was facilitated through the Minnesota Trade Office, which offers counsel to Minnesota companies on worldwide trade opportunities.
Reflecting on a day that affirmed the value and impact of this important partnership, Tom said the shared values of Thomson Reuters and Books For Africa are the foundation that sustains both organizations. He pointed to the 83 law and human rights libraries that Thomson Reuters has shipped to law schools, NGOs and women’s organizations in 20 African countries since the company began working with Books For Africa.
“Books and education are essential to society, and they provide the foundation for both a functioning economy and the rule of law,” he said. “Our work with Books For Africa helps millions on the African continent see the world, and their own potential, in entirely different ways. It’s an honor to be a part of such important work.”
