Book Voucher Schemes

However good or relevant a development book may be, it is of no use if the people it will benefit most cannot afford to buy it.

This is where our book voucher schemes come in. Our partners provide a fund of money that enables selected organizations in developing countries to receive much needed published resources free of charge. Practical Action Publishing has been able to supply over 10,000 books free of charge to developing countries, thanks to the charities, NGOs and commercial organizations who fund these schemes.

We are able to handle all aspects of a voucher programme, from concept and planning to establishing communications with the beneficiary centres or offices, handling correspondence, researching titles, through to order processing, book despatch, follow-up and evaluation. Practical Action Publishing have managed a number of book schemes with partners including VSO, Oxfam, CAFOD, ICD (International Cooperation for Development), Christian Aid, CTA and the Shell Foundation.

Examples of existing book voucher schemes

Book Aid International - works in partnership with organizations in developing countries to support their work in literacy, education, training and publishing by providing books and other reading materials. These help give people the chance to realize their potential and contribute to the development of their societies.

Christian Aid - this book scheme has been in operation since 1995. Its aim is to distribute books to Christian Aid fieldworkers

Misereor (German Catholic Action for Human Development) - this English and French books voucher scheme provides literature on appropriate technology to small NGOs and community groups in the developing world.

VSO - the aim of the VSO book scheme is to deliver books in development into VSO field offices.