Thomson Reuters delivers 22,000 books to Mali
In spite of the political conflict and unrest underway in Mali, a Books for Africa container of 22,000 books, including a Thomson Reuters law/human rights library, arrived safely in Bamako, Mali. The shipment was unfortunately delayed for several months until it was confirmed safe to transport them to the capitol city. The books are currently being processed by the U.S. Peace Corps Mali and will be distributed to local schools and libraries throughout the country.
The University of Bamako Law School will be the recipient of the donated Thomson Reuters law and human rights books. Access to our publications will help the students and legal professional in their efforts to further the adoption of the rule of law and advancement of human rights for all citizens of Mali. “We are pleased to partner with Books for Africa to advance human rights and the rule of law in Mali,” said Tom Pfeifer, global head of Customer Sales and Experience. Pat Plonski, executive director of Books for Africa added, “It is heartwarming to know that even in times of civil unrest, the drive for education and the thirst for knowledge continues.”
Mali is located in Western Africa and shares its borders with Algeria to the north, Niger to the east, Burkina Faso and the Cote d’ivoire to the south, Guinea to the southwest and Senegal and Mauritania to the west. Mali is one of the poorest countries in the world, and is estimated to have the second-highest infant mortality rate, with only Afghanistan higher. The literacy rate in Mali is very low. The total literacy rate is estimated to be 46.4%. It is believed that only 20 percent of women can read and write.
Thomson Reuters is proud to partner with Books for Africa in this endeavor.
