Dear all,

Thanks to your effort, we are now well on target to achieve the 10,000 books limit that we had set for ourselves by the time we complete our campaign on the 30th of July 2006.  With the books collected so far, the container will be 80% full and we are hopeful that you will all continue to support the campaign right to the end.  The books collected include
journals, novels, children's reading books, college and university level text books, technical books on specialised subjects, books on skills and hobbies, and others. There is no doubt that these books will be very useful to Eritrean children, students and professionals alike.

The books will be distributed to: The new Edaga Hamus, Embagaliano and Hazhaz (EHEC) Public Library, Barentu Library, Mai Nefhi Institute of
Science and Technology, Ministry of Mines and Energy, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Education and Asmara Medical School.  Shipment is planned for Monday the 31 of July 2006.

I am now writing to you personally to request your assistance in raising the money required for shipment. We have so far raised £1910. With the
unexpected rise in cargo charges as well us delivery and storage costs, the total expense is now estimated to be £2970. We are therefore forced
to make this appeal in the hope that you will be able to donate whatever you can to help us cover our expenses. Any money raised above the required
amount will go towards next year’s campaign.

We thank the following people and organisations who have made financial donations so far.

1. Eritrean Relief Association £600 (pledge)
2.  British Council £500 (pledge)
3.  Zewdi Sereke £50 (paid)
4.  Bisrat Marcos £50 (paid)
5.  Aster Sagai £50 (paid)
6.  Hirity Tekeste £50 (paid)
7.  Sirak Bahlbi £50 (pledge)
8.  Yerga Tewolde £50 (pledge)
9.  Habtom Tesfay £20 (pledge)
10. Simon Marcos £50 (pledge)
11. Shewa Hagos £100 pledge)
12. Yonas Goitom £50 (pledge)
13. Anonymous         £5 (paid)
14. Iyassu Yohannes £100 (pledge)
15. Donation from Germany 200 Euro - £135 (paid) – through Shewa Hagos
16. Luchia Hadera and Habte Mehari  £50 (pledge)

Total donation £1910

Expenses:
Shipment - approximately £2550
Storage £120
Delivery £200
Other costs (congestion charge, stationary, etc) = £100

Total expense £2970

If you wish to make donations, you can make your cheques payable to the Action Group for Eritrea or the Eritrean Relief Association, with a note stating that it is donated for shipment of books.  If you are sending your cheques to ERA and you are a tax payer, we will ask you to fill a form so that ERA can make the Gift Aid Savings.

You can post your cheque to:
ERA, Robin House, 2A Iverson Road, London, NW6 2HE
Or
AGE, PO Box 47775, London, NW10 0XX.

Alternatively, you can pay it direct to AGE’s Bank Account, which is Halifax Plc, Sorting Code 11-04-87, Account No. 00300025.

You can make a pledge by writing to age@eritrea.co.uk. Please be generous
and help us by donating whatever you can from £5, £10, £20 and more. Every little helps.

Thank you for your support.

Regards,

Simon Marcos
AGE, Chairman