Project Detail
The Book Buddy Project is a comprehensive social responsibility initiative by Ahbap Association that combines volunteer-based reading activities with book donations, sharing, and establishing libraries in disadvantaged schools. The project aims to spread a culture of reading among volunteers while also supporting equal opportunities in education, creating a lasting impact in areas with limited access to books. To this end, regular book reading meetings are held throughout the year; books read and donated by volunteers are collected at specific intervals and sent to schools in need.
Project Scope and Problem Area
Structural inequalities exist in Turkey regarding book reading, book acquisition, and library access, as revealed by data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), the Ministry of National Education (MEB), and UNICEF. The My Book Friend Project was designed to reduce these inequalities and increase children's access to books.
Project throughout 2025:
- Implemented with the participation of Ahbap volunteers across Turkey,
- Established a sustainable reading culture among volunteers through regular book reading events,
- Developed a distribution model whereby collected books will be sent to disadvantaged schools.
Project Implementation Model
Annual Cycle and Periods
The Book Buddy Project was implemented in three phases in 2025:
- January–April: Reading meetings, start of the book collection process
- May–August: Regular reading events and second phase book collection
- September–December: Final book collection process, counting, sorting, and shipping planning
In December, all books collected throughout the year were evaluated, and the schools where libraries would be established were determined, with shipments planned.
Book reading events held at least once a month fostered a culture of sharing and discussion among volunteers while strengthening community bonds. Each book read was supported by a book donation under the project's “one book, one benefit” principle.
Book Collection and Distribution Process
- Books donated by volunteers were collected by the provincial representative office during each period and classified according to their type.
- The books were packaged and sent to schools identified as needing them in a manner suitable for setting up libraries.
- The books sent were not just a one-time donation; they were used to establish school libraries with the aim of creating a sustainable reading environment.
The Impact Created for Children
The Book Buddy Project goes beyond simply sending books and supports the establishment of permanent libraries.
Books collected throughout 2025:
- Books have been delivered to schools with limited access to books,
- Classroom reading areas have been created,
- The existing libraries of designated schools have been strengthened,
- Children have been provided with regular access to books.
Thanks to this effect:
- Contributions have been made to the development of children's reading habits,
- Students' extracurricular learning opportunities have been enriched,
- A concrete step has been taken towards reducing inequalities.
- Children