When you sponsor a book party, you're helping children discover the joys and benefits of reading. You're also doing something else that's less obvious, but just as important for the development of Laos.
Our book party teams spend much of their time on the road. But about 8 weeks per years, they have an opportunity to get new experiences and learn new skills at our workshops.
In developed countries, young people naturally get a wide range of experiences that help them develop their potential. Here, the opportunities are much fewer. At our "Mouse Experience" workshops, young people expand their skills and learn new ways of thinking.
We play games. Charades teaches a different sort of communication skills, and emphasizes the importance of thinking not just about what you believe you are communicating, but also about how the other person is perceiving your message. A board game called "Ten Days in Asia" develop planning skills, while also providing a geography lesson. Toys such as this gear set, and constructing a model of the Great Wall of China, are fun; they also help with spatial and other skills. Neighborhood children frequently join in.
When we compute the cost of a book party, we include a contribution toward the Mouse Experience. Sponsoring a book party means you're not just getting books to children today; you're also developing the ability of young people to be active, thoughtful citizens.