27 January 2026
How community book donations in Surrey are supporting children’s literacy in Ghana
Over the past two years, West Hall care home has been collecting books donated by the local community that are now helping children in communities in Ghana access education, imagination and opportunity. 
Through a partnership with Woking Rotary Club, the donated books are sent to support Children Love to Read, a literacy initiative led by Staines Rotary Club in the UK and the Rotary Club of Accra, Ring Road Central. Since launching in 2020, the programme has collected more than 20,000 books, many donated by Surrey residents, which have been distributed to schools and community libraries across Ghana.
Feedback shared through virtual sessions with teachers and children shows that the books are far more than learning resources. They help spark curiosity, support education and give children the chance to own books they may not otherwise have access to.
Partnerships like this demonstrate how small, local acts of kindness can have a lasting global impact; strengthening communities, supporting education and helping children realise their potential.
West Hall continues to welcome book donations and encourages anyone with unwanted books to drop them off at the care home.
Paula Rifai, General Manager at West Hall care home, said:
We’re always looking for ways to support local charities, especially amazing initiatives such as this one. We’d like to thank all the members of the community who have shared their books with us for donation so far. We remain focused on contributing through Woking Rotary Club, so encourage anyone with unwanted books to visit West Hall.
Nana Opare, District Governor Nominee, Rotary South, added:
Literacy is more than learning to read - it nurtures curiosity, builds confidence and opens doors in life. Thank you Anchor for your contribution in opening a world of opportunity for children and communities in Ghana.
