Storybooks from Kingsbridge have managed to find their way into the hands of the children from Le Manyatta Primary School in Arusha, Tanzania.

The girls and boys from Happy Ducks Childminding recently shared their favourite story books with children across the other side of the world, organised by Hannah Sagar, the owner of Happy Ducks Childminding.

Safari & Beach, a local safari specialist organisation, supports the school in Tanzania; they sent a representative to collect the books from the Happy Ducks children on Tuesday, September 26, for them to arrive in Arusha by Friday, September 29.

“It was a lovely opportunity that Safari & Beach gave the childminding children and my own children; the parents were very keen to get on board and we had some lovely books donated”, said Hannah.

All those involved would love to make this a regular gift and Hannah’s children have even suggested asking children from their school if they would also like to donate some books.

Charlie Greenwood, a safari specialist from Safari & Beach and a mother of two children who attend Happy Ducks explained what a great experience it was to show the children how their books had reached a wonderful new home so quickly.

“It was a great experience for our children to share their stories with children who don’t have any of their own, and wonderful to be able to see how much these were appreciated in Tanzania.

“The idea of the Happy Ducks sharing their favourite story books with children in Tanzania was embraced by Hannah and she rallied the support of all the parents.”

All those involved with Happy Ducks felt that this was a great opportunity to help primary school children in Africa to read new books and for the children to share.

Charlie continued: “The company I work for, Safari & Beach had a team member travelling out to Tanzania, who alongside checking out key camps, was also visiting Le Manyatta Primary School to meet the head teacher there.”

Charlie chatted to her 3 year-old son Arthur who loves books, about children who don’t have any of their own, “he really could not understand that some children have none.”

Charlie admits that persuading him to give up a book for someone else was not easy at first, however: “it was so worth it to see his face when he saw the photo of the children in Arusha holding up his book.

“He knows he has done a good thing and I am so proud of him for that.”

Hannah agreed with this, explaining how her own children showed some initial reluctance at the thought of giving away one of their treasured books.

“Although they were very proud of themselves and loved to see the picture of the books having reached the children in Tanzania and tried to spot their own.”

She described the experience as a fantastic chance for the children to learn first hand about sharing and kindness.