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I went with this organization a year ago and I loved the experience that I had with them. I went to Ghana, Africa to build a library down there. I just loved experiencing the culture up close and personal. It was extremely eye opening and humbling. I also loved being with the kids and helping to open their eyes to the world through books. I remember reading with some kids and them being so excited to learn what a dinosaur was. I was personally shocked that these kids had not idea what dinosaurs were. It was just amazing to see the impact these books would make. It also loved watching the kids get so excited to read with us. We would have kids just run to us as we held our books we would read. It definitely was a real experience so not a 5 star hotel, but it was real and I loved the impact I felt like I was making. It really changed my life. I would highly recommend!

Never have I felt that I was making a real and lasting impact in the lives of others until I went on a trip with VBB. I went with this organisation to southeast Africa (Malawi), where we built what we later found out to be the only library in the whole country to have computers, solar panels, reading lamps, RACHEL server database (which allows access to thousands of educational websites/materials offline) and many other educational resources. It was great to see the looks on the faces of the kids as they held a computer for the very first time. We also got to experience what I felt to be a deep culture immersion as we visited the homes in the village, and got to visit the local public market. It was indeed a life changing experience for my wife and me. I would highly recommend this organisation to anyone that wants to be part of something bigger than themselves.

I had a life changing experience traveling with VBB. It was amazing to learn about another culture and read books with the kids. I went to Ghana and we traveled out to a remote village and helped them build the library and help the kids get excited about reading books. We visited the kids in their homes and talked to the parents. We stayed in a nice home that had comfortable beds and was very secure. We also did some sight seeing. We went to a national forest and to the Cape Coast Castle. Cape Coast Castle was also a life changing experience for me. I am so glad I went on this trip and highly recommend the organization and it’s mission. If you are wanting to have a great time, learn about another culture, and meet amazing people (both fellow volunteers and locals) then this organization is your ticket!

I have spent the last few weeks in Malawi, a country that surely lives up to its name, “The Warm Heart of Africa.”

The purpose of my trip was to participate in the construction of a library in a remote village called Kadzakalowa. I went with a group called Village Book Builders, whose mission is to instill generational difference among villages around the world. It filled my heart to see how excited people of all ages were to use the library resources and it was even more precious to see children who didn’t know how to read open books and make up stories based on the drawings and “read” to other children.

Within the library, there were of course books available to check out, as well as lanterns so that where there is no electricity, it would be possible to see at night. This is especially impactful on the young girls who had to walk long distances in the dark to attend school.

Perspective comes from experience and understanding, and I am grateful for the opportunity I had for my eyes to be opened. Malawi and its people will always have a warm place in my heart. I will always recommend participating in an experience such as this, and I feel that Village Book Builders balances enjoyment with meaningful work that impacts lives for generations to come.