Tchule Moore (far back left) delivers a variety of books to students at an elementary school in Chilanga, Malawi. Moore, a senior academic advisor in UMSL’s School of Social Work and Psychological and Brain Sciences, collected the books for about a year before her trip in July. (Photos courtesy of Tchule Moore)
Tchule Moore remembers learning the value of books and the foundation they provide for a successful education as a child growing up in Malawi. Her mother was a teacher, and whenever possible, she made sure to support local schools by donating books.
Now, Moore, the BSW senior academic advisor in the School of Social Work and Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, honors that legacy any time she travels to the east African country to visit family.
The students were thrilled to receive the books.
During her most recent trip in early July, Moore brought more than 100 paperback books to donate to an elementary school in Chilanga in central Malawi. The philanthropic effort was aimed at promoting literacy and launching a children’s library at the school.
“I am an advisor, and I also teach here, so education is very important for me,” Moore said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I want to make sure I’m contributing to a community that needs help with books.”
Moore collected one to three books per week for about a year in preparation for this summer’s journey. Transporting such a large donation required some strategy on Moore’s part. She made sure to primarily gather paperback books, so she could stuff her luggage with as many publications as possible for the international flight. The effort was worth it to see the young students’ smiles when the books were delivered.
“They were curious because these books are from America, and this was a special gift for them,” Moore said. “Through the books, they get to see what other children are doing in other parts of the world. They were very excited and very curious. I could see that in their eyes and their smiles, and that is really what I wanted to accomplish.”
Moore, who earned an MEd and EdD from UMSL, said her education at the university prepared her not only to succeed in her role in the School of Social Work and Psychological and Brain Sciences, but also to support the education of students beyond its walls.
“I’m thankful for the opportunities that I’ve had here at UMSL,” Moore said. “I feel that UMSL has prepared me very well as an advisor but also at a global level.”
