Dear Friends, Please note a slight shift in previously announced opening hours 10am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday. We still need help so please let us know if you want temporary flexible and rewarding work!*** We opened Leaves yesterday but rather late due to an attempted break which damaged the locks. Luckily we have compound neighbours made up of police and military personnel. They quickly responded prevented the break in. Were currently cleaning up the dust thats gathered up over the last few weeks and unpacking books so its a bit messy but were open! Yesterday we had a couple of visitors and one customer, a very senior and well known military officer. He bought two books; one about democracy and state building following conflict and another about the role of the media and its relationship to the state. I was reminded that this isnt unique. Many of Leaves customers are MPs, ministers, generals and other influential figures in South Sudan. Their main book purchases are always about democracy, governance, civil society, peace building etc. They actually spend a lot of time pressuring me to get these books now now now and the minute they arrive, they sell out. From this I guess that somewhere in Government there is a will to make South Sudan the kind of country that was dreamed of by the many who fought, suffered and died to bring it into being. These books are also popular among students and general members of the public, suggesting that the reading South Sudanese society knows what it wants and are keen to learn more. This business of forging a nation isnt easy - I dont believe any nation in the world has ever found it easy - and it takes time. So whilst most citizens exercise patience and pressure the Government and politicians for democratic reforms, the main thing to hope for is minimal loss of life through violence, conflict and rebellions. Only dialogue, sharing of ideas, open mindedness and compassion have ever made a meaningful and lasting difference. Thanks for your support to Leaves! Please come visit soon.
Posted on: Tue, 21 Jan 2014 09:36:14 +0000
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