The Book Bus
With thanks to the tremendous support of family, friends and other people moved by the cause, funds were initially used to purchase the BISEE Book Bus in 2010. The BISEE Book Bus was decorated with artwork by Sir Quentin Blake, stocked with books, materials and volunteers, and travelled throughout communities in Ecuador, working directly with those children most in need of our help.
The BISEE Book Bus worked with children in and around Quito, and beyond, who needed our help most. The bus traveled to schools, childrens groups and reading events, providing resources, energy, ideas and time to read with the children.
In the early part of 2016, the BISEE Book Bus made visits to remote and extremely underprivileged parts of Ecuador such as the Central-South sector of Quito, Llano Chico, La Floresta Market, El Ejido Park, the community of San Gabriel in Carchi and Ipiales, in Columbia. The BISEE Book Bus also played an important role in the Quito Reading Marathon, an event sponsored by Girandula.
Following the earthquake on April 16, 2016, Girandula started working in the hardest hit areas (the provinces of Manabi and Esmeraldas). The BISEE Book Bus was unable to travel to those areas so other forms of transport were used. Ultimately it was decided to sell the BISEE Book Bus during 2016.
Danielle Children's fund, Ambato
In November, the BISEE Book Bus travelled to the Danielle Children's fund child and family centre in Ambato. Volunteers from the British School, Quito spent the day reading and playing with the children. The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves!
Visit to Ecuador/Colombia border
The BISEE Book Bus spent a week in October 2014 working with children in San Gabriel, Ecuador and Ipiales, Colombia. With the help of IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) and both the Ecuadorian and Colombian Ministries of Culture, thousands of books were distributed to very poor children of both countries during the visit of the Bus. The children were told the story behind the BISEE Book Bus and why it operates in Ecuador to promote reading and a love of books among these disadvantaged children.
Trip to Puerto Lopez
On the 7-8th August 2014, the BISEE Book Bus visited Pasquisha and 12 de Octubre schools in Puerto Lopez. The bus was manned by volunteers from Quito, led by Maggie Novoa from the British School, Quito.
The children really enjoyed reading books which were kindly donated by Taunton School. The volunteers then organised art activities to bring the stories to life. A great time was had by all!
Maraton del Cuento, Quito
The BISEE Book Bus attended the Maraton del Cuento (Reading Marathon) in Quito over the weekend of 30th May to 1st June 2014. Local children and their parents had the opportunity to go onto the bus and read books, as well as take part in other activities designed to bring the books to life.
Year 12 Students from the British School Quito were on the bus over the weekend to read with the children together with librarian Maggie Novoa. Parents visiting the bus were happy to have the students reading with their children as well as doing artwork.
Interest was expressed by other visitors for the BISEE Book Bus to go to other locations in Quito and further afield. Following the Reading Marathon the Bus went to Cuenca for 5 days where it was a great success. A total of 1,300 children participated in various activities on the bus over the 5 days it spent there.
