Picture Books Have Arrived! 2024 Report

The picture books collected in 2024 and sent out from our Tokyo office on February 3, 2025 (Mon) have safely arrived at our four field offices in the Myanmar (Burma) refugee camps, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. We are delighted to share photos and updates sent from each office upon the arrival of the books.

Picture Books Have Arrived!

【Myanmar (Burma) Refugee Camps】Arrival Date: March 18

On March 18, the first shipment of picture books reached the Myanmar (Burma) refugee camps.

A large truck carrying the books arrived on the narrow road in front of the office.

The boxes were transferred onto office vehicles, carried inside, and neatly stacked.

The books were carried from the vehicle into the office.

The boxes were stacked one on top of another.

The delivery into the office was completed!

The team then checked the number of books by title and language.

A total of 5,035 books were delivered—Karen and Burmese picture books.

On the left side of the photo are the books in Karen, and on the right are those in Burmese. Can you spot the difference?

Thankfully, the books arrived in perfect condition.

We sincerely thank everyone in Japan who helped create these translated books. The books will be placed in libraries inside the refugee camps.

For people living in the camps, freedom of movement outside is restricted. Many children are born and raised entirely within the camps. For them, picture books become a precious “window” to the outside world.

You can also watch a video introducing our refugee camp activities through the link below.

【Cambodia】Arrival Date: April 3

The Cambodia office also welcomed the picture books.

Staff members proudly held the Khmer-language picture books made in Japan. We truly appreciate everyone’s support.

The books were carried from the vehicle into the office.

A total of 5,942 books were delivered.In Cambodia, SVA works on school construction and improving the quality of early childhood education. The picture books will be placed in classrooms and kindergartens across the country. Thank you once again to everyone in Japan who helped bring these books to life!

【Laos】Arrival Date: May 23

Next, the shipment arrived at our Laos office.

Staff members at the Laos office hold the translated picture books that arrived from Japan. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone in Japan who helped create these Lao-language books.

The books are carried in from the truck that arrived in front of the office entrance.

Staff carefully unloaded the boxes—each weighing about 20kg—and carried them into the office.

A total of 4,402 Lao-language picture books were delivered.

Laos is a multi-ethnic country, home to about 50 minority groups with their own mother tongues. However, schools teach in the official Lao language. Through picture books, children can strengthen their Lao reading and learning.
You can watch a video about our mobile library activities in Laos from the link below.

【Myanmar】Arrival Date: June 14

Finally, the books arrived at the Myanmar office.

Staff carried the boxes of picture books from the truck into the office.

Though the boxes were heavy, they were happy to bring the books inside.

The staff opened the boxes and checked the delivered picture books.

While looking forward to the new titles being added to the shelves and to the children’s reactions as they read them, the staffs carefully counted the number of books.

A total of 3,252 Burmese-language picture books were delivered. Staff expressed their heartfelt gratitude as they held the books, knowing they will soon reach children.

Now more than ever, we want to deliver picture books to children in Myanmar. Even under difficult circumstances, books bring joy and the opportunity to learn.