Book drive to support crisis in Nigeria

MVNU students are collecting books to support a Nigerian school affected by the Boko Haram terrorist group.

Boko Haram is a terrorist group that, roughly translated, means "Western Education is forbidden."

In 2014, the terrorist group kidnapped 276 girls from their school, Chibok Government Secondary School, located in Chibok, Nigeria. They girls were between the ages of 16 and 18 at the time.

While some have escaped imprisonment and others have been released, nearly 200 still remain missing.

However, as girls are released they need a place to return to.

After two years of neglect, their school and community need resources, said history and integrated social studies double major Kristie Hammond.

“When the girls were taken in 2014, our church [Olivet Church of the Brethren] responded quickly,” Hammond said. “Each church got a specific girl's name to pray for her in particular. As time passed and there was still little to no news about these girls, I felt there needed to be more awareness that they were still missing.”

To raise awareness, Hammond organized a book drive to educate the public while helping the school in Chibok.

Hammond encourages MVNU students to get involved in the global movement #BringBackOurGirls by donating their used books. The books will be given to both students and teachers; they’re needed in classrooms, school libraries, and the Bible College.

“This is your chance to do something to help people across the world,” Hammond said. “We are very lucky here to have relatively few obstacles in our path to education; the students in Nigeria take huge risks to learn.”

Hammond is collecting books for children ages six to 16. This includes dictionaries and reference books, Bible stories, chapter books, picture books, and books about counting or the ABC’s.

She is also requesting used theology books, especially those on general theology, commentaries, Bible atlases and similar materials for the local Bible college.

Students who don't have books to donate can get involved by writing notes of encouragement. Hammond is collecting notes for students and staff that were affected by the crisis.

All book donations and letters of encourage can be dropped off at the Education, Theology or English departments. The deadline is Nov. 14.

For news and updates on the conditions in Nigeria, search #bringbackourgirls on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.