Dec. 27, 2005
ROCKFORD, Ill. – The Pookai Book Project sent a mix of DVDs, software, cash and books to the Angsoeng Library in Cambodia to complete its donations for 2005.
In a way, the shipment symbolized how much has changed with the project. At first, the project focused only on books and money. But as the Angsoeng Library has grown the project has responded with new materials.
Along with $340 and 21 books (mostly childrens’ books), the project sent the Spencer Nakasako’s Trilogy, a DVD featuring three short films about Cambodian American life (including the award-winning film, Refugee). The project also sent Family Tree Maker 2006 and Civilization IV software, which the project hopes patrons will use to restore their family histories and explore social studies, respectively.
The Project also sent the following books: two copies of The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Bianco; I Went Walking by Sue Williams; Busy Farm by Jo Lodge; Giddy-Up by Susan James Wiggles & Giggles by Trish Kuffner; Wheels on the Bus by Raffi; Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow; Watch Me by Cindy Bousman; Maisy at the Beach by Lucy Cousins; Walking Through the Jungle by Julie Lacomb; Pete and P.J. by Cindy Bousman & Susan James; Thomas and the Hide-And-Seek Animals by Rev. W. Awdry; Reptiles and Amphibians by Golden Guide Book; Over Sea Under Stone by Susan Cooper; Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates by Mary Maps Dodge; A Short History of Indonesia by Colin Brown; Aladdin by Disney; Children of Long Ago/Poems by Lessie Jones Little; Bye Bye Bear by Scholastic; and Peekaboo Kitty by Scholastic.
The Pookai Project’s mission is to help the restoration of Cambodia by gathering funds and need-specific books for the Angsoeng Library. These donations will promote literacy, accelerate education, speed economic development and empower Cambodians to take their place on the world stage. Its first client is the Angsoeng Library, run by leading journalist Chandara Lor.