PROFESSOR ASKS HELP TO SEND BOOKS TO CAMBODIA

Dr. Alan Naslund's eight-month book drive, conducted through a Cape Girardeau church while Naslund taught English classes in Japan, has culminated in the gathering of 5,500 pounds of books.

The professor became interested in collecting books after listening to two Cambodian teachers who were visiting Japan. At a meeting of the Japanese Association of Language Teachers, they explained how the Pol Pot regime heavily damaged education in Cambodia.

When Pol Pot led the Khmer Rouge Communists in taking over the country in 1975, he insisted armed soldiers kill teachers and burn books, forcing children out of school and onto farms.

By the time the regime was ousted in 1979, Cambodians were left with little to rebuild their country. Few knew English, and those who knew even the fewest words were forced to teach classes.

Students in Cambodia don't have English books, so some learn the language from flash cards made from discarded cigarette packages. They write words on bottle caps and then take the caps home to study.

The teachers who spoke to Naslund said a knowledge of English is vital to the rebuilding of their country. It's the language used in government and business.

In late October, Naslund came home to Cape Girardeau for a brief visit with his wife and family. He was determined to gather books for Cambodian students, and joined forces with the Rev. Brant Hazlett of the Christ Episcopal Church.

The two gathered 5,500 pounds of books, primarily from Southeast Missouri State University. Lori Taylor, assistant manager of textbooks, helped gather books on reading, writing, algebra, history, meteorology, business and a variety of other topics. They fill 126 boxes large and small.

Now the problem is getting them to Cambodia. Naslund would like to send them by the U.S. Postal Service in M-bags, the most inexpensive way to mail overseas.

Ideally, a charitable organization helping Cambodians could aid in getting the books there. If not, they will have to go by M-bag, and the cost is $4,000.

Naslund hopes to get word to the Cambodian teachers that help is on the way and put the books in the mail by the end of July.

Donations may be sent to: Book Drive, Christ Episcopal Church, 101 N. Fountain, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701. For more information, call the church at 335-2997.