Stocking and Maintaining Toy Libraries Is a Huge Job!

ASAP not only establishes libraries of educational toys. Our South Africa team headed by Marlese Nel, pictured here, takes stock annually of our soon-to-be 9 libraries. She replenishes toys that have worn out or puzzles that lost a piece, which happens with steady use over several years.

Each fully stocked library has 10-30 of 112 different toys and resources – quantities for 30 preschools to borrow. These educational toys support the teaching of weekly themes from the national curriculum and stimulate the brain’s development, 90% of which happens (or not) by age 5.

Marlese checks every item when toys are delivered. These may include 35 boxes from each of many suppliers! She repacks the toys, charts, books etc. for the individual replenishment needs of each ASAP toy library. The boxes are strapped and labeled for each library. Our nonprofit partner PEN transports them as far as 4 hours away where two libraries are in extremely undeveloped, remote communities. The 3 preschool coaches at each library are thrilled to unpack the boxes and continue helping school owners and their staff learn the multiple ways each toy facilitates learning through play.