Caledon students see success with book drive

March 13, 2025 · 0 Comments

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Two Caledon students have organized a book drive to share the joy of reading with students in Cape Coast, Ghana.

Kendra Addo and Allyson Fritsche are Grade 11 students at Robert F. Hall Catholic Secondary School and since February 15, they have been running the “Read On, Pass On” book drive they launched.

Addo and Fritsche are aiming to collect 1,400 new or gently-used books and educational materials for Calvary Hillcrest Schools and Cape Coast University Practice Senior High School in Cape Coast.

Fritsche said she and Addo are avid readers who believe in the transformative power of reading, and wanted to share that passion and its positive impacts with students in Ghana.

Addo explained the origins of the book drive.

“It started as a simple idea to give books to my grandmother, Charlotte, who was visiting from Ghana, for my cousins’ school libraries,” said Addo. “We were amazed by the overwhelming support from our fellow students and the wider community, which led us to create the ‘Read On Pass On’ drive.”

Addo and Fritsche have received support for their book drive from their principal, Diana Speranza, teachers at Robert F. Hall, and the Southfields Village branch of the Caledon Public Library.

Anyone interested in donating books or textbooks, suitable for primary and high school students, can do so at Robert F. Hall Catholic Secondary School (6500 Old Church Road, Caledon East) until March 26.

Addo and Fritsche are also looking for support from a company in the freight and shipping business to assist with the transportation of donated books.

Addo and Fritsche encourage all to join in making a difference in the lives of students in Ghana.

“Every book donated is an investment in their future,” they said.