The United States (U.S) Embassy in Lesotho donated seven thousand reading books to Baylor College of Medicine in Maseru on Tuesday.

Presenting the books, the US Ambassador to Lesotho, Mr. Robert Nolan said the donation is intended to support a programme on reach-out and-read undertaken by the centre to encourage the culture of reading in children.

He commended the centre for the care and treatment of children, saying children are the future of the country.

Mr. Nolan said he believes that the books will benefit children who are already receiving treatment at the centre and contribute to their intellectual ability.

The Centre's Executive Director, Dr Edith Mohapi thanked the Embassy for the donation, noting that it will revitalise and support the programme for children.

Baylor College of Medicine was opened in the country in 2005 and offers free medical services to children infected with HIV. It supports children from their birth until when they are 18 years old.

Source: LENA 06/05/2008