Destructive weapons are rarely changed for more constructive uses, but that is exactly what Raul Lemesoff has done. The Argentine art-car maker has given a 1979 Ford Falcon a new purpose that doesn’t involve war. It has been altered to fight illiteracy for the good of the country. Instead of deadly weapons, the book has been armed with 900 or more books of literary substance to spread peace and enlightenment through the understanding of words.
Lemesoff removed the welded frame from a 1979 Ford Falcon, a popular vehicle with the former-ruling military junta, and added the necessary features so it could act as the now recognized Book Tank.
Stocked completely with books of all sizes, he drives around the streets of Buenos Aires, offering free books to everyone he meets. Anyone showing even a passing interest in a book, he stops his vehicle to deliver. Sometimes, people take the initiative; he has seen motorcyclists and pedestrians take books off his car while he is waiting for a change in lights. He collects the books from charitable donors as well as receives funds from patrons. All his reserves are channeled towards his worthy cause.
He fulfills the needs of underprivileged schools lacking in proper supplies and visits children in the countryside, many of whom don’t attend school. Aside from touring Argentina’s urban capital for the residents to reap the benefits of his book tank; Raul has traversed areas north to Bolivia and Peru.
Raul christened his vehicle the Weapon of Mass Instruction, a name that signifies the creator’s goals of making an uplifting social change. He wants to influence people to appreciate the positives in life – the joy that comes from reading a good book, sharing information and learning new things. Through education, Raul hopes to encourage people to develop themselves and build a better future.
Via: Makezine