The story started in April 1996, when Jean-Yves Merle, then mayor of Notre-Dame-de-Bondeville (Seine-Maritime), looked at a television report during which a French-speaking teacher in Romania appeals to receive books in French. With two friends, he then created books without borders, then, in 1997, the first convoy went to Haiti. A little over 28 years later, the millionth book which was sent by the association was signed, on Wednesday, March 19, by the successful novelist Michel Bussi. A work that took the direction of Gabon.
Today, Books Sans Frontières is co -chaired by Claudine Villemin and Robert Wazi. The latter, ex-Professor of the University of Rouen, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo and “Norman of heart”, as he presents himself, takes stock of these almost three decades of literary sharing, with sources everywhere in France: “textbooks, novels, children’s literature are given to us by individuals, educational establishments, universities, bookstores, libraries, etc. We even have a faithful in Haute-Saône, in Lure. A Mister Fleury collects books and sends them by palette. »»
“Then, our dozen volunteers sort them by specialty and they are cardboard”, specifies Robert Wazi, who stresses that all the books received are not, however, shipped: “For geopolitical reasons, we do not send books on history and civic education. “All over the world,” it is French -speaking institutions such as schools, libraries, associations, but also village teachers who make requests. After validation of the board of directors, the books are sent. »»
Participate in the Francophonie
On the million books sent since 1997, more than 80 % have been to Africa (819,841 works since creation), but others have gone to all continents, Europe included, and “18 pallets will soon leave for Gabon”, points out the former teacher.
“It is a great adventure which allows the distribution of knowledge in countries considered to be third world. It is not only participating in the Francophonie, but especially in the development of the world, ”he insists. A participation that has a cost, even if manual work is carried out by volunteers. Mainly “the cost of transport, which we settle thanks to our funds and subsidies from the cities of Houlme, Notre-Dame-de-Bondeville and Rouen and customs. There is also a participation of the beneficiaries, because it gives more commitment to our action, ”adds Claudine Villemin, the co -president.
In the presence of Philippe Dehays, Consul of Senegal in Rouen (Seine-Maritime) and that of Gabon, René Crevel, the association books Sans Frontières wished to celebrate the departure of the millionth book and pay tribute to its founder. For this, the co-presidents invited Michel Bussi, the Norman novelist to the many bestsellers. “Bringing several lives to books is extraordinary,” he has excited. “Giving a book is not a hacking. It’s sharing. And you, in addition, make them travel. You need courage to books without border in this world that worries me. I am very admiring. I’m going to come out of this remorad ceremony. There is still humanity. It’s great! Especially since France has a chance with the Francophonie in the face of issues with African countries and their development. Your action is very strong. A wealth to maintain ”. The author then dedicated the millionth work sent, a copy of his first novel, “Omaha Crimes”, whose “life is relaunched”.