chickaDEE: Why did you go to Tanzania?

Hadley: CODE sent me to Dar es Salaam to help choose the winner of a brand new writing award for Tanzanians. The winner was Treeland: the Land of Laughter by Mkama Mwijarubi. He won $12,000! The prize money was donated by a great Canadian named William Burt of Toronto.

ChickaDEE: What else did you do there?

Hadley: I also worked with Tanzanians who are writing their first chapter books. We talked about what makes a good story, and they enjoyed the Canadian books I brought in my suitcase. I can't wait to go back to do more workshops in December.

chickaDEE: What else are Canadian volunteers doing in Tanzania?

Hadley: Other Canadian volunteers are now donating their time to the Children's Book Project. Some of Canada's top editors are working closely with Tanzanian editors. They are offering advice on how to make their books even better.

chickaDEE: What was it like to visit Ester's school?

Hadley: It was a treat to visit Esther's school to see the Children's Book Project's work in action. (The kids LOVED having their picture taken.) The library has made a huge difference to the school and the community. Before, many of the kids never had a chance to read just for fun. Now they gobble up books and their parents use the library too! Students' grades have gone way up. The school even has contests where students show off their reading, writing, and drawing skills.