Valpo woman collects books for Afghanistan

VALPARAISO | A shocking memoir about life in Afghanistan alerted Diana Haniacek to the plight of women under the Taliban. It was only natural the Valparaiso woman's annual philanthropic project centered on books and that nation.

With the help of Chesterton High School students, Haniacek has collected more than 1,000 books, which will soon be on their way to the children of Afghanistan.

Haniacek and her cousin from Illinois are "into philanthropy" and try to get involved with a good cause every year, she said.

Last year, the two organized an eyeglasses drive for people in the African nation of Tanzania, where the cousin was teaching at the time.

Again this year Haniacek wanted to get involved with a good cause so she started doing some research. She read "My Forbidden Face," a memoir by a 16-year-old Afghan girl writing under the pseudonym "Latifa" that tells of the restricted life for women under the Taliban.

Among the hardships was a ban on books. That gave Haniacek the idea to collect books for distribution to Afghan schools. But she couldn't afford the cost of shipping them, so she looked around for an organization doing that kind of work

That's how she found Books For Afghanistan, a Maryland-based group that aims to improve the lives of Afghan children by enhancing their educational opportunities.

Haniacek, 27, took time away from her work and started contacting area schools for help. Before her efforts went too far, the Chesterton High School students quickly put an end to them by collecting some 800 books -- far more than the 300 that had been her goal.

Tri Kappa sorority discounted another 200 that Haniacek bought at their annual book sale.

The thousand books, now packed in her fiance's truck, are awaiting the 4 1/2-hour drive to Lyons, Ind., one of two national Books For Afghanistan dropoff locations.

She doesn't need any more books, she said, marvelling at the efforts of the Chesterton students. Anyone interested in helping the cause can make a monetary donation to Books For Afghanistan, she said.

As for next year, Haniacek has talked with friends about starting a nonprofit group. She has no firm ideas at this point. The only sure bet is that she will helping out in some way.

To learn more, visit booksforafghanistan.org.