Bringing Books and Dreams to Rural Ghana

Help Bring Books, Learning, and Hope to Rural Ghana

Growing up in the small rural village of Zagyuri, just outside Tamale in northern Ghana, I had one rare privilege: access to a library. While many children in my village did not have the same opportunity, I spent my weekends at a small library set up by a local Christian nonprofit inside a church. It was here that I discovered the magic of books. Books that taught me to dream, to imagine, and to believe that I could accomplish anything—even becoming a doctor.

But what made that library so special wasn’t just the books—it was Mrs. Barikisu, the librarian. She wasn’t just a librarian; she was a mentor, a guide, and a beacon of hope. She believed in me when I didn’t always believe in myself, showing me that education could be the way out of poverty. Her kindness and support helped shape who I am today. And, as I reflect on my journey, I know that without her and that library, my life would have looked very different.

Now, as a third-year medical student at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, I think back to that library often. But more than that, I think about the children in my village and other rural communities who don’t have access to the same opportunities. Who don’t have a place to read, to learn, or to dream.

That’s why I’m launching Project READ—a mobile library bringing books and learning to children in rural Ghana.

Through this project, we’re creating a mobile library on three wheels that will travel to remote villages, providing reading sessions, fun educational activities, and a safe space for children to explore the world through books. This is especially important because in rural communities like mine, access to libraries is often limited or nonexistent. But we’re changing that, one village at a time.

With the support of my incredible team at Northern Voices Ghana, a nonprofit I co-founded, we’ve mapped out a route that will reach five villages, bringing books and educational sessions to approximately 300 children each week. The demand has been overwhelming, and we’re thrilled to see the positive impact this is already having.

But we need your help to do more.

We want to add a second mobile library to serve a different route, expanding our reach to another five villages, bringing the total number of children served each week to 600.

With your support, we can make this dream a reality. The funds raised will cover:

• An additional brand-new mobile tricycle van

• Fuel and operational costs for both mobile libraries for one year

• Mechanical repairs and maintenance for both vehicles for one year

• Educational supplies like books, writing materials, coloring books, and more

• Volunteer T-shirts

• Snacks for the children

• Foldable tables, chairs, and mats for the mobile library

I’ve personally saved part of my medical school stipends to help kickstart this first mobile library, and we’re already seeing the incredible impact it’s having. But with your help, we can do so much more.

If you believe in the power of education and want to make a tangible difference, this is your chance to contribute. Whether you donate or share our campaign, every action helps us bring books and learning to children who need it most.

And if you want to do even more, consider sponsoring a mobile library for an additional route of five villages. Also, if you'd like to donate books or have questions about other ways to support, please contact me. Together, we can create a network of mobile libraries across rural Ghana, giving every child the chance to dream big and achieve greatness.

With love and gratitude,

Salim Abdul-Razak

Third-Year Medical Student at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

Co-Founder of Northern Voices Ghana