San Diego, California, USA: 37 boxes containing over 2000 books of primary and secondary school levels and other children’s books were donated by The Book Shop of Hayward, California and International Book Project of Lexington, Kentucky to school libraries all over Palau. The donations were made possible through a book drive made by Julian Padilla, Honorary Consul General of Palau in San Diego, California.
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According to Padilla, the book drive came about as result of request from Minister Sinton Soalablai of the Ministry of Education to help school libraries in Palau. “We need to enhance the reading of our children during and after school hours, weekends and when classes are not in session,” stated Minister Soalablai.
Consul General Padilla expressed his appreciation for the support and work provided by Renee Rettig of The Book Store and Lisa Fryman of the International Book Projec to help collect the books for Palau. He further expressed his appreciation to Peter Gaymann of Neco Plaza and Mighal International Shipping company for shipping the books free of charge to Palau. He also thanked Mrs. Johanna Afshani, an international attorney who helped him organized the donors.
Mr. Padilla, an honorary consul general for Palau has been channeling various aid and support to Palau such as medical supplies and sport supplies from such organizations such as San Diego Rotary Club, LA Galaxy San Diego soccer club and much more. [/restrict]