The launch was fantastic – Naa Otua sold loads of books, we collected loads for Happy Ever After and we didn’t have a single second where we weren’t joined by friends or family wishing us well. The staff at Waterstones were very welcoming too – so thanks, Tom and the gang, hope you enjoyed the wine!
Waterstones Launch - with 'The Professor'!
Here we are with my dad, who Naa Otua has named ‘The Professor’ – due to the white beard and glasses ensemble – despite his protestations I think he rather liked it! All afternoon we talked to people about the charity and it was so encouraging to get such a positive response. There are moments in life where you know without a shadow of a doubt you are on the right path – Saturday afternoon in Waterstones, Harrrow – just a few yards and a few weeks from where it all began – I had one of those moments.
Now we have to plan Stage Two – a publicity and fund-raising drive prior to our trip to Ghana. We have decided to move our meeting place from Costas to the coffee shop in Debenhams for two reasons. Firstly to avoid the embarassment of being barred for over-enthusiasm (see previous post) and secondly for the chance of a free squirt from the perfume counter en route!
Waterstones Launch
SIOBHAN:
I met with Naa Otua for more coffee and chat today – perhaps Costas could provide us with some sponsorship? Buckets of free cappuccino at least! As always I came away feeling completely inspired – Naa Otua has an infectious personality – it is impossible to meet with her without feeling uplifted.
Anyway, after marvelling at how far we had come since our previous meeting – a website, a blog, an article in the local paper and a launch party at Waterstones no less – we set to figuring out the next stage of our operation, fund-raising.
Coca Cola and Guiness are among the companies with interests in Ghana so we figured, what the hell, why not approach them for some kind of sponsorship. Watch this space for details of how we get on…
Naa Otua and I also talked about how determined we are to make this project a success. I will be going to Ghana with her in the new year, to see for myself just how badly this literacy programme is needed. But already, just talking to her and doing some independent research, I am shocked at the disparity between our two countries. Here in the UK the ability to read and write are taken for granted, but in some parts of the world literacy is a luxury. As a certified book worm I find it hard to imagine a world without the written word.
More news next week as the countdown to the launch begins…
