Africa eBook Project – Join the Movement!

In Cameroon, Africa, books are rare—especially the good ones. My friend Linus is studying at one of the seminaries, and he says the situation is even worse there. The seminaries are bursting at the seams with young men, yet most lack solid Catholic materials. The libraries are meager and while most of the seminaries have computers, internet is spotty at best.

But what if we could change that? What if we could provide good Catholic books for every seminarian?

I think we can. Through the power of the Catholic blogosphere, I’m convinced we can crowd-source a solution.

That’s why I’ve created the Africa eBook Project. The plan is to send 2,000 CDs to all the seminarians in Cameroon, each loaded with Catholic eBooks including:

 
Each CD will cost $2 to produce and ship to Africa. We could have partnered with a big charity to raise the funds, but we’re taking a different approach.

Starting today, we’re running a month-long campaign at Indiegogo.com (think Kickstarter, but open to religious groups.) The purpose is to give everyone a chance to play a part in this. For just $2, anyone can donate one CD and join the movement.

Several wonderful groups have combined to make this project happen including Our Sunday Visitor, New Advent, Aquinas and More, Word on Fire, Lighthouse Catholic Media, and the Libreria Editrice Vatican. They’ve also contributed some great giveaway perks for donors (to get the perks, make sure you click “Claim This Perk” on the campaign page sidebar):

 
Overall, this Africa eBook project is an experiment in new media solidarity. Its goal is to unite the energy of the online Catholic world and channel it into a global work of mercy. We want to forge connections, spread books, and help form priests halfway across the world.

But to do that, we need your help. First, of course, we need donations. So head over to AfricaEbooks.com and donate a couple dollars. If you can donate more, you’ll receive one of the great perks listed above.

Second, I’m asking you to promote the project on your own website, blog, or social media profile. The campaign will run through June 30, so anytime this month would be great. Even if you do nothing more than post the YouTube trailer that would be a huge help.

So consider this your invitation. For just $2, you’re a part of this. For just $2, you can say, “look at what we were able to accomplish.” For just $2, you can participate in this new media solidarity, this digital work of mercy.

AfricaEbooks.com

Campaign website: Indiegogo.com/Africa
Facebook page: Facebook.com/AfricaEbooks
YouTube Trailer: Youtube.com/watch?v=6QfoSDFEJUM&hd=1