“Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”

A Message From James Owens
CEO & Founder, The World Is Just a Book Away

Thank You For a Year of Success! With Your Help, WIJABA Looks Forward to Serving Many More Children in 2012

Each time I travel to Indonesia to be with the children and open libraries, I am moved beyond words by their gratitude.  I find myself experiencing wave after wave of gratitude and wonder that I have been given the blessing of helping these children and working with so many in the US and around the world who are committed to affecting change. And, our work is only possible through your dedication and generosity:

• $1 = 1 Book
• $100 = Table
• $500 = Parents Library
• $5,000 = Library

Donate Today to Change the Lives of Children

Each time I return from Indonesia, I tell people "We all live in Disneyland here, we just don't know it."  In developed countries we have such enormous capacity to affect change if we tap into that potential. The approximate cost of a book that we provide for a child who has no access to books is $1. This seems incredible--for just $1 any of us can provide a book to a child who has access to none. The approximate cost of a fully equipped library including operating funds for a year is $5,000 (and these libraries serve hundreds of children).

I am currently living through one of the most difficult turning points in life--the loss of a parent. On September 12th, my father passed away after a yearlong battle with cancer (you can read the wonderful blog Julie Du Brow, our PR Representative, wrote about him at: http://www.justabookaway.org/blog/?p=432). As part of this journey, I have also reexamined the blessings granted in this amazing gift called life that seems all too short.

The World is Just a Book Away (WIJABA) is one of the greatest blessings in my life and it has also been one of my greatest teachers. Throughout my life, I have always heard people say, "It is better to give than receive."  But, I had never really felt it on such a deep, visceral level until my work began with WIJABA and the children we serve. And, something tells me that although a door has closed in my life with the loss of my father, a window is open for the work WIJABA does for children.

In fact, something tells me we have only just begun...

James J. Owens
Founder and CEO
The World is Just a Book Away

WIJABA's First Ever Photography Program
Featured in Blue Canvas Magazine

Can you imagine your life being completely transformed and actually accomplishing more than you set out to do in less than 24 hours? Well, that's exactly what happened for the 10 children, Ardi, Asri, Cindy, Dicky, Ninik, Nunuk, Sevila, Tasya, Tiara, and Vita, involved in WIJABA's first ever photography program.

Over the course of 10 weeks having met 2 hours per week, these children transformed into independent learners capable of expressing ideas and emotion through their photographs and stories. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined this at the start of the program last spring. Never in their wildest dreams could they have imagined this at the start of the program last spring.

Vita (pictured) explains her sentiments for the program, “I really enjoy taking pictures of my little sister. When she sees me with a camera she suddenly becomes very happy and wants me to take pictures of her. This makes me happy too. Photography was very challenging in the beginning because my film always came out blank and I didn't know why. I was frustrated, but I learned what I was doing wrong and also to never give up on something that makes you happy.”

Is there a better lesson to learn in life?

The children's photographs were featured in Blue Canvas magazine, which is an international publication for artists, in the tenth issue released on October 13. The photographs were also featured at the issue launch event, which was a major part of the LA Art Walk.

You can view more of their photographs by visiting Blue Canvas where the photographs are also for sale. All proceeds from purchased artwork are tax deductible and will fund future WIJABA programs for children in developing countries.

It's hard to imagine that a few dollars and a few hours can give a global voice to children who have had nothing in their far-reaching corner of the world.

Together we change the world!

Through an Ambassador's Mothers Eyes:
A Word with Nahid Yassai

In May and June 2011, WIJABA was blessed with the opening of new libraries in Padang donated through the efforts of Arezo Yassai, our Lead Ambassador. Her mother, Nahid Yassai, also graced our libraries and the children of Padang with her kindness while attending the openings and had these words to share with us:

I wanted to write about my experience to Indonesia with my daughter for the library openings this past summer. It was truly a trip to remember.

At first I was kind of hesitant to go because I did not exactly have a part in WIJABA other than being “Rizo's” Mom and I didn't know much about what I should expect from the journey ahead. The pictures I had seen were beautiful, but I still wasn't sure what was in store from seeing pictures from several months ago when my daughter came home raving about her experience.

I soon came to realize there is a big difference between being there and first hand witnessing the opening of the libraries versus seeing a photograph; no matter how beautiful of a shot it was, it just lacked the emotion of these children.

It was an experience I could have never imagined. It was an eye opener; it was beautiful, pure, serene, holy, sweet and all the other beautiful words in the world that I could think of.

I still remember the first time we drove up to a school, I was a bit nervous, but the minute I saw those beautiful faces so eager to run into their new library, all that I felt was joy, an immense appreciation and joy. How they patiently waited to greet us, how every single child held our hands...it was all so beautiful.

I want to thank my daughter Arezo for insisting me to go on this trip with her and I love her so much for that. I also want to thank Robert for his hospitality and kindness. I feel like I have another son, whom I love for calling me Mama the whole trip.

The World is Just a Book Away made me feel like I was at home thousands of miles away from California. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Snapshot! WIJABA Photographer Eric Sullano
Captures Poignant Moments in Indonesia

WIJABA's talented photographer Eric Sullano was able to visit our libraries and open a library in honor of his parents this past September and was kind enough to share his thoughts with us:

Jetlag has never been a problem for me but this past weekend was rough! I realized that coming back from Indonesia this past weekend that it really is far in so many ways from the lives we live and breathe each day here in Southern California.

During this trip I was blessed with the opportunity to open and dedicate a WIJABA Parents' Library to the Kalisampurno elementary school in my parent's name, Fred and Irma Sullano. To make sure I'm painting an accurate picture here, “The Parents' Library” is not a glamorous building that one might come to expect in Los Angeles; there is no valet parking, no WI-FI, and no air conditioning. My parents' library consists of a quaint wooden bookshelf, four rows high, a small photo and plaque, and more than 50 books that were handpicked by many of the local parents. It may not seem like much by our standards, but it means a WORLD of difference for the lives of the parents who will pick up those books every day and use them to make a positive influence on their children and family.

It was a mild 85 degrees as I stood there along with Arif, local project manager of WIJABA, and the school's principle Mr. Karsuji where I addressed more than 15 mothers and a handful of toddlers. Once Mr. Karsuji gave his brief introduction in Bahasa (local language of Indonesia), I said a few words explaining how deeply honored I was and how my parents had inspired the love of reading at an early age. As I was standing up there dedicating this library to my parents, I couldn't help but think where I might be today or who I would've become had my parents not planted that seed of curiosity and nurtured my love of reading and learning at an early age. It was a very powerful moment as I spoke to the parents in the room, pausing every few sentences so Arif could translate for me. Despite the language barrier, I could tell that the parents were not only very appreciative of what WIJABA has provided, but also very eager for us to cut the ribbon so they can start checking out some of the brand new books!

I had visited four schools in Sidoarjo where WIJABA has built libraries for both children and their parents, who often spend hours waiting at the school while their children attend class. Back in November 2008, I had a unique opportunity to visit a disaster area, a refugee camp, and several elementary schools in Sidoarjo. Back then WIJABA had no libraries for me to visit. This time I had a chance to visit those same schools; what once were old dark and dingy storage rooms are now bright, furnished libraries where children and parents are able to indulge in the adventures of reading.

Book Charm Necklace
The Perfect Holiday Gift with Meaning & Social Responsibility

Are you or do you know a reader, writer, or book lover? Do you belong to a book club? This necklace is the perfect Holiday gift with meaning and social responsibility made with love by WIJABA Board member, Sabine Lehmann.

Sterling Silver Open Book Charm ˝”H x˝”W (Made in the USA) with 18" Sterling Silver 0.8mm Snake Chain and 5 mm Spring Ring Clasp (Made in Italy) $48.

100% of the profits will be donated to fund The World is Just a Book Away libraries and programs for young children in developing countries.

Please visit or contact Platino for purchase.

Thank you!

P L A T I N O
909 Montana Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Tel: 310.394.0044
Fax: 310.394.0104
Email: platino@email.com