Friday, June 22, 2012

New Kids’ Books Boost Literacy in Zimbabwe and Zambia

A series of books specifically designed to boost literacy in Southern African countries is now approved for use in both Zimbabwe and Zambia.

We really have no future if the children cannot read.
The Happy Readers series of educational books are specifically created for children living in Africa,  Over the last two years they  have been put in over 500 schools in Zimbabwe, and the Zambian ministry of education has now approved them.

Originally created in the 1980s, the series teaches literacy through word repetition.  It uses characters, animals and settings
happy_readers004017.jpgfamiliar to rural and urban African children.

“Many book series are European or American in content and African children, especially those living in rural areas, can find it hard to understand the word meanings or the way of life depicted. This makes learning harder,” said Emma O’Beirne, who re-launched the series with her husband Conor two years ago after seeing illiteracy rates skyrocket in Zimbabwe.


Since the series was relaunched, nearly every private school in Zimbabwe has bought them – but despite being more affordable than the alternatives, lack of funding is hindering the program’s potential.

We really have no future if the children cannot read.

happy_readers001013.jpg
“Everyone from the headmasters to ministry staff, to the villagers understands the importance of being able to read and are incredibly keen to see the projects work, but it is still hard to raise funding,” O’Beirne said.

“Wherever we can, we try and scale back costs on a reading project to ensure that funding goes on books. We really have no future if the children cannot read,” O’Beirne said.

8 comments:

  1. What a wonderful article for awareness Nancy. I know bringing familiarity to children while they learn is very important for them to absorb what they are reading/learning. Africa is near and dear to my son who plans on going there when he finishes nursing school. Thanks so much for sharing this. The dear children of Africa are in need of so much. Is there a place or publisher with guidelines, where writers could submit and donate books appropriate for African Children?

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    1. Sue, What a great question. There is a terrific organization called Books for Africa. It has a presence on the web. They do tremendous work.

      I hope your son gets to Africa and wish more of us took an interest in it and its people. So much to learn and so much to give.

      Thanks for your timely comment!

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  2. Kids want to learn to read when they have the right books to choose from. I like Susan's question of where to donate. I was contacted by Michele Darmanin of Sydney Australia, about a worthwhile project 'Donate A Book to the school children of Viwa Island, Fiji'. Please contact her by email to heart2heartsydney@yahoo.com.au. I will donate when my book is published. Keep up the good work.

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    1. Such a wonderful idea, Penelope. I've written this organization down,too and will donate as well. As I mentioned to Barbara, Books for Africa is a terrific source as well.

      Many thanks for your sensitive comments.

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  3. Nancy,

    Bravo for bringing this important issue to the blogosphere! It is easy to forget that access to books is not so simple for so many.

    All the best,
    Donna

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    1. Donna, it's so very true! I am pleased that these two countries are bringing a "national reading series" of sorts to the kids. They are having good results as well.

      Thanks for the comment!

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  4. Nancy,

    I agree with the others about the importance of being aware of this need. Teaching the children to read is definitely the place to start to mend the many other problems these people face.

    And thanks, Penelope, for the info.

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    1. You could not be more right, Barbara! Education is the key to it all. I find that Kenya does a good job with their education and for the most part, is a thriving country.

      Thanks, as usual, for your support!

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