Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating book fair is currently docked at the V&A Waterfront. The 132,50 m vessel houses about 350 crew members from more than 60 countries. Publishers around the world supply them with a wide range of unsold books, this allows Logos Hope to offer books to people at a fraction of the original price.
Sharing knowledge and hope through literature. That is the key focus of the Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating book fair currently docked at the V&A Waterfront.
The vessel is operated by GBA Ships, a German-based non-profit organisation (NPO) which operates ships that travel the world to share knowledge, help and hope.
Built 51 years ago, the 132,50 m vessel houses about 350 crew members from more than 60 countries.
Everyone works voluntarily and has raised sponsorship to cover their two-year period of service.
Navya Lankadasu, media relations officer, explained that there are about 5 000 book titles across a wide range of categories, including science, children’s books, medicine, faith, arts and novels, among others.
Publishers around the world supply them with a wide range of unsold books, this allows Logos Hope to offer books to people at a fraction of the original price.
A look inside the world’s largest floating bookfair.
The 132,50 m vessel houses about 350 crew members from more than 60 nationalities.PHOTOS: KAYLYNNE BANTOM
Lankadasu said: “That is how we share knowledge from one country to the other with the people we meet. We see what the communities need, then we try and assist in whatever way we can. We have some environmental teams on board. Sometimes we do paintings in schools and orphanages.”
“We share hope by leaving some positivity and love wherever we go. We share our stories with people and try to uplift them if we can,” she added.
According to Lankadasu, there is loads of entertainment for the children.
“The children are fascinated with all the books. And the concept of getting onto a huge ship. We have a mascot that walks around and takes pictures with the kids. The kids also enjoy the journey of life storytelling.”
The crew has been touring South Africa since January docking in Richard’s Bay, Gqeberha, East London and Durban.
Cape Town is the last port in South Africa before the vessel will head off to Namibia on Saturday 23 June.
Lankadasu explained that this was her first international visit.
“The people have been so welcoming. South Africa has been my first country internationally. South Africa is beautiful, we have enjoyed the beaches, landscapes and the food.”
Kaileasha-te Riekert (18) from South Africa is a volunteer in the Bookfair department.
Said she became involved with the vessel via her church five months ago.
“I never thought I would be doing this. I just finished high school and I asked God to show me where am I supposed to go and God led me to Logos Hope. Every day is new and exciting, it is amazing.”
Michaela Facanha, a shift leader in the Bookfair, has been on board for about three years with her family. “It has been an amazing opportunity to learn so much leadership skills but also working with so many cultures. It has opened my eyes to see how to work with people and with a team. This is my first time in South Africa and it has been so much fun.”
Lankadasu encouraged people to visit the ship before their departure on Saturday.
“I would like to invite everyone to come visit and see what we are all about.”
Tickets cost R10 and can be purchased on the ship.
