Spreading the word in Zambia

WWL transported a mobile book bus from the UK to Zambia to help promote reading and creativity in this impoverished nation.

A 30-year-old British bus filled with books enriched the lives of thousands of children in Zambia, thanks in part to Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics.

When British charity organisation the Book Bus Foundation needed help transporting the mobile library from the UK to Zambia, our UK offices rose to the challenge.

"We were happy to help with the charity’s good cause," says Tony White, Port and Terminal Operators for WWL UK. "When we saw the photographs of the bus and the children’s smiling faces, it brought home how a small gesture can make a big difference for the children of Zambia."

WWL employees arranged for the bus to travel the 100-mile distance from Essex to Southampton. Our staff then helped secure the books on board and prepared the bus for its two-week voyage from Southampton to Durban, South Africa.

From Durban, volunteers drove the bus into Zambia for a six-month tour of duty, visiting schools and orphanages in Lusaka, Kabwe and Livingstone to promote reading and creativity. More than 1500 children participated in activities including reading, storytelling, art, drama sessions and sporting events. Plans for a repeat visit in 2009 are underway.