Request: A few magazines

To say there are very few resources in the school I am teaching in would be an understatement.  There is no electricity.  There is no science library (yet).  And no library (yet). 

None of my students have used a computer before.  And, when it came up, I had to explain what the internet was as well as "Google". 

But more importantly, there is no reading material available.  No books or magazine or newspapers.  High school students, who are expected to take a national (and, indeed, West African) exam that assumes the kind of vocabulary one needs to do well on the SAT, have nothing to read. 

In a class of 50 students, perhaps one will have a grammar book.  And there are no books for sale in Barclayville.  Literally no books for sale.  And no magazine or newspapers.  "Reading material" includes notes written on a chalk board, signs on buildings, and maybe a Bible (maybe...)  Teachers who have the opportunity to travel two to three days to Monrovia, purchase their own books to use in classes.  (And there is no ability to make photocopies of material for students.) 

My contract here is short - six months.  I have no disillusions about my impact; I'm not building a library.  But the small contribution I may be able to make is providing the students with some reading materials.  Examples of what English language articles look like. 

Perhaps you can help? 

I (and the other teachers at the school) would be very grateful if you would consider sending a few magazines you've received at your home.  Stuff you've already read is fine.  News, sports, nature, etc.  Nothing too advanced (i.e. Foreign Affairs).  Aim for a 6th - 9th grade reading level.  Something comparable to Time or Newsweek would be great.  The idea is for teachers to have materials to refer to and students have the opportunity to read articles, identify grammar, and find new words. (If you have stuff for little kiddies, I can deliver that to the local elementary school.) 

Here's how to do it: 
1.  Select a few magazine. 
2.  Put them in an envelope (maybe one of those flat bubble wrap ones that probably hold 5 magazines). 
3.  Address the envelope. 
4.  Bring to post office and pay postage. 
5.  Let me know it is on the way, so that I know to look for it.  (Note:  Please don't send anything past June 1st - I depart at the end of July and want to ensure everything is delivered to the school prior to my departure.) 

Kendra Gray
C/o US Peace Corps
PO Box 707
Monrovia, Liberia (West Africa)

Thank you! 

P.S.  If you want to send something else, please consider a small (i.e. softcover dictionary).  Nope, no dictionaries available either...