FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BKP:
What is BKP? What is the organization about?
BKP is a non-profit organization with the goal and mission of providing childrens' books and school supplies to the impoverished children of the Philippines. We do this by collecting used and new books, as well as school supplies to donate to certain areas of needs in the Philippines. For every shipment, a minimum of 1000 books is pBKP also implements reading and writing programs so disadvantaged children of the Philippines will develop the love for reading and acquire a wide range range of English vocabulary skills.
How do you set up libraries? How can I request to set up a library in my hometown?
If you are like most Filipino immigrants to the US, you will probably wish that you could also set up a children’s mini-library in your own hometown upon learning about the BKP mission. BKP, Inc. has helped many a dream come true. People who work with BKP think only of what is best for the barrio and slum children in the Philippines. Initiating the program is not complicated at all because BKP wants it to be as simple and cost-efficient as possible.
Here are BKP's requirements for individuals or organizations who request for assistance to set up a mini children's library and read-aloud program in their hometown:
The first step is to discuss your plan with a BKP Executive Director. Anyone who wants to set up a library in their hometown should be a BKP volunteer first. You have to help in picking up books, stamping, sorting and packing, assist in fundraising events, attend BKP meetings and get-together for a total of at least 25 hours before the request.
When you have met the volunteer hour’s requirement, you may proceed to collecting the following documents:
- Formal letter of request for assistance to set-up the mini-library and read-aloud project, from the contact group/person in your hometown.
- Demographic profile of your hometown (population, source of income, income level, average educational attainment of population, number of schools, students-teacher ratio etc.)
- Letter/s of support for the mini-library and read-aloud project a. from the Barangay Captain or whoever could provide the room for the library and read-aloud program b. from the principal of a local private high school or wherever the read-aloud volunteers will come from c. from the principal of local public elementary schools where the read-aloud participants will come from. These letters should clearly indicate what specific type of support each group is willing to extend.
- Written plan concerning the management of the program - who will serve as library clerk, who will initiate the read-aloud program, who will recruit the children and their parents, who will act as liaison officer with the principals of local schools and colleges involved. We may be able to assist you in this area through our partner BKP Philippines.
When all the documents are in, BKP will ship the 1st 1000 children’s books and schedule the 1st read-aloud workshop in your town to train the local volunteers.
How can I get involved?
You can donate any children's books you may have in your home that you no longer need. You can drop them off at any drop-off centers listed in the "Get Involved" page or you can mail books or monetary donation to: BKP California, 3111 Katharine Drive, Escondido, CA 92027 or click on this link, to donate online. See our page "Get Involved." If you need further assistance you may contact us at info@bkpcalifornia.org or click on the 'Contact Us' page.
Where can I drop off books?
Drop off centers are listed on the "Get Involved" page. At this time, there are only drop off centers in Los Angeles and San Diego area. If you live outside of these areas, please mail your book donations to BKP California 3153 Los Feliz Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90039.
How do we know that the books are being used?
Mini libraries are only set up if there is a good support system where the library is being founded. One of the requirements to have a library set-up is the implementation of the read-aloud program, CLE (Concentrated Language Encounter). There must be volunteers, most likely teachers, who must be trained to implement this reading program to the children. Children will also be allowed to borrow these books to take home, so they may read at home or when they want to. If program is being implemented successfully, BKP will replenish the books and school supplies at least every two years.
What kinds of books does BKP accept? What kind of school supplies do you need?
BKP needs a regular supply of gently-used children's books. BKP, Inc. will reimburse your shipping expense. Here are the examples of the types of books we are looking for:
- Books for all ages, with an emphasis in books targeting children between the ages of 3-10 years. This includes picture books for very young readers such as alphabet, counting, and books about colors are appropriate. Most often, these are hard bound, colorful and glossy books which must be in good condition with the binding firm and secure.
- Story books for beginner readers such as Dr. Seuss, Mercer Mayer's, Arthur, Curious George etc. Those books with interesting stories are ideal. (those published by Scholastics, Inc. and the Parents' Magazine Inc. are popular among young readers. Moreover, the Disney version of classic books like Pinnochio, Cinderella, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and others do not fail to elicit the interest of budding readers. These books come in paper back editions as well, thus ensure that the covers and pages are intact, clean and readable.
- Math and Science Textbooks, encyclopedia sets and dictionaries published in the 90's will be accepted. Although these books are not directly in line with the BKP mission, the schools in the communities we operate in are badly in need of up-to-date materials such as the aforementioned.
- Magazines, especially for children such as Highlights, Crickets are useful as well. Reader's Digest and the National Geographic are accepted too.
- School/office supplies such as crayons, markers, pencils, pens, construction paper, and etc. These items are needed to conduct various forms of reading activities within the library.
How do I host a book drive?
Contact any one of our Board Directors and we will provide you with a Book Drive Hosting kit that includes invites, book drive guidelines and how-to, and tips and ideas on how to make your book drive parties fun. The cost will be very minimal to you if any.
What is adopting a library? How do I adopt a library?
Adopting a library is a means of supporting an existing library so they can be sustained. An active and successful library always needs volunteers, school supplies and replenishment of books. Adopting a library and pledging a set amount once a month or a year, assures that library that they will have the financial support to sustain the library. Adopting a library can be very affordable and your contribution can start as little as $10.00 a month or $120.00 a year.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
MAILING ADDRESS:
BKP-California Inc.
3111 Katharine Drive
Escondido, CA 92027
EMAIL: info@bkpcalifornia.org
BKP-California Inc.
3111 Katharine Drive
Escondido, CA 92027
EMAIL: info@bkpcalifornia.org