It’s been said that books open new worlds for young readers. Thanks to the work of Toll Gate High School’s Gender Equality Club, a new library will soon open on the other side of the world for African children.

After recently forming the new Gender Equality Club at the school last year, co-founders Lindsay Russell and Victoria LaFazia, both juniors, wanted club members to complete a charitable project that fit their theme of gender equality.

“I have to say they are very self-directed,” said club advisor Kate Rauch. “Lindsay and Tori have always been dynamos, if everyone was like them we wouldn’t have any problems in the world because things would get done.”

About 30 students, male and female, from all grade levels comprise the club, which meets every few weeks to discuss race, gender, equality, news updates and political or social events. They wanted to complete a project that helped those in need.

“We just really wanted to do something around gender equality, said LaFazia. “We hope for equal opportunities for everyone and now some children in Africa can have a library of their own, and we helped them do that pretty quickly.”

The book drive began several weeks ago after the club contacted the African Library Project (ALP), an organization that builds libraries in South Africa, where literacy rates are astronomically low. Their assignment involved funding a library by collecting 1,000 children’s books and $500 for shipping costs to deliver them.

“Children are basically the same no matter where you go, and good stories can tie the world together,” said Rauch.

Books for the drive started pouring in from throughout the city, and the club has already far surpassed their book collection goal of 1,000. Extra books or books that may not fit the criteria of children’s books are being donated locally. They’ve also raised $300 so far and hope to have the additional $200 needed for shipment raised shortly with the community’s help. They plan to ship the books by March 15.

“We really appreciate everyone’s help, it’s been a fantastic experience,” said Russell.

With their project almost complete, the Gender Equality Club is already planning their next event to benefit the community.

“We’ve looked into Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center in Warwick, we don’t know yet what we’ll do exactly, but we talked about doing a fundraiser to donate to their cause,” said Russell.

“If you need a job done, look to Lindsay and Tori, they’re so determined,” said Rauch.

For more information on the project, contact Lindsay Russell via email at lindsayrussell98@gmail.com.