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WHAT: Non-profit organization
The World Is Just A Book Away (TWIJABA)—which
supplies books, and builds libraries and schools for
children in developing countries—partnered with the
InterContinental Bali Resort to opened a school
library in Bali, Indonesia, on Friday, Dec. 18,
named for the worldwide entertainer Cher. The
‘World Is Just a Book Away-Cher Library’ is
TWIJABA’s first one in Bali. The Resort was
intent on refurbishing the school and asked
TWIJABA to do the library. Only a year old,TWIJABA
opened its first 10 libraries in Sidoarjo, Ind., in
June 2009, and a dozen more PLUS a mobile library
will be opened there, as well, later this month.
CHER, adding to her
list of humanitarian efforts, has offered her
support to The World Is Just a Book Away,
based on her belief in the importance of reading and
books. For the libraries opened in June, many
prominent people who also support the organization’s
mission had libraries named in their honor,
including
Muhammad Yunus, Queen Noor Al-Hussein of Jordan,
Jane Goodall, Desmond Tutu, Yo-Yo Ma, Miep Gies,
Shirin Ebadi, Lois & Buzz Aldrin, Fess Parker,
and the late actress Natasha Richardson.
The mission of The World Is Just A Book Away
(www.JustABookAway.com)
is to bring hope—in
the form of books, libraries, and schools—to
thousands of children in developing countries. The
program was launched in Sidoarjo, site of the
mudflow disaster that displaced more than 60,000
people and destroyed many schools. The libraries
introduced the idea of loaning non-classroom
books for recreational reading. The libraries also
have educational DVDs for on-site use.
2009 TWIJABA results:
§
10,000+ children will have access to books
§
20,000+ books will be provided to children
§
22 "The World is Just a Book Away Libraries" will be
built
§ 1
Mobile library serving an additional 28 schools will
be launched
WHO: The World Is Just a Book Away
is the passion of Founder/CEO James J.
Owens,
assistant professor of clinical management
communication at the USC Marshall School of Business
Center for Management Communication in Los Angeles.
An expert in his field, James has extensive
international business experience in England,
France, Germany, Africa, and Saudi Arabia for
companies, including Louis Vuitton, Coca-Cola,
Agfa-Gevaert, and Bain Consulting. He is editing an
anthology with more than 70 of the world’s most
prominent people. The proceeds from this book will
support TWIJABA. James promotes the
organization’s vision of “a world in which all
children have access to books, a quality education,
and hope for the future.” The newly name Chairman
of the TWIJABA Board is Emilio Diez Barroso,
Chairman and Founder of NALA Investments, LLC, and
entertainment industry mogul.
Cher is a force
across all areas of entertainment, is a worldwide
performer, and humanitarian. Singer-songwriter,
actor, director and record producer, she has won an
Academy Award,
a
Grammy Award,
an
Emmy Award,
three
Golden Globe Awards
and a
People's Choice Award
for her work in film, music and television.
The Intercontinental
Bali Resort is blessed by an endless stretch of
white sand beach overlooking the tranquil waters of
Jimbaran Bay. The Resort features 418 guest rooms in
three unique levels of accommodation. The property
embraces a 14v hectare tropical landscape that is a
blend of indigenous flora, waterways and stone
statues reflecting the island’s artistic heritage.
There are six swimming pools, Planet Trekkers
children’s resort, a fitness centre and plenty of
recreational activities to keep guest occupied
throughout the day. Spa Uluwatu is a dedicated
healing and beauty facility for individual sessions,
while the exclusive Villa Retreats promises
indulging spa packages for couples. A superb choice
of restaurant venues makes every dining experience
and adventure in culinary excellence. (www.interconti.com)
INFO: For additional
information, please visit
www.justabookaway.com
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