Bringing Bilingual Storybooks to Tanzania: How Local Language Literacy Is Transforming Classrooms in Bagamoyo

When Terri Place, founder of Steven Tito Academy in Bagamoyo, was asked what her students needed most to succeed, her answer was immediate: “Books.”

Not just any books but books that reflect the lives, languages, and realities of the children she serves every day.

That simple but urgent need sparked a powerful collaboration. The Levy Family of Two Nomads, having seen NABU’s work in the field, knew exactly who to call. What began as a conversation quickly became a commitment: Deliver 300 bilingual Kiswahili-English storybooks to students in Bagamoyo.

Why Bilingual Books Matter for Literacy in Africa

Across Africa, millions of children face a hidden barrier to literacy: language. Many are taught to read in a language they do not speak at home. This disconnect slows comprehension, reduces confidence, and ultimately limits learning outcomes.

At NABU, we believe literacy should begin where a child is most comfortable, in their mother tongue. By introducing bilingual Kiswahili-English storybooks into classrooms at Steven Tito Academy, we are helping to bridge this gap, not widen it.

A Bridge, Not a Barrier

For a child in Bagamoyo, learning to read should never mean leaving their identity at the classroom door.

Through this initiative:

Students build foundational literacy in Kiswahili, the language they speak and understand best.

They gradually transition into English, unlocking global opportunities without losing cultural grounding.

The stories they read feature familiar settings, characters, and cultural experiences, making learning more engaging and relatable. This is what culturally relevant literacy looks like in practice.

The Power of Representation in Children’s Books

Representation in children’s literature is not a luxury, it is essential. When children see themselves in stories, something shifts:

Reading becomes personal

Learning becomes meaningful

Confidence begins to grow

The first 20 titles delivered to the school reflect this philosophy, including: Dance of Courage, The Class President, Goat’s Visit to the Moon and Pendo’s Triumph. Each story is designed not just to teach reading but to affirm identity, spark imagination, and inspire possibility.

The Impact So Far

Thanks to the generosity of the Levy Family, these books are already making their way into the hands of eager young readers. But this is just the beginning.

NABU is currently finalizing the remaining titles to complete a full, culturally relevant library for Steven Tito Academy, one that reflects the voices, languages, and lived experiences of its students to bring about improved reading engagement, stronger literacy foundations and a deeper sense of belonging in the classroom. And most importantly, children who see themselves not just as readers, but as future leaders.

A Model for Scalable Literacy Solutions

This initiative in Bagamoyo is more than a one-off intervention, it is a model for scalable impact across Africa and other underserved regions. A combination of local https://www.nabu.org/, community partnerships and donor-driven support.

Join the Movement to Expand Access to Books in Africa

The need is urgent but the solution is within reach.

With the right partnerships and continued support, we can ensure that children everywhere have access to books that reflect who they are and who they can become. Join us.

Together, we can:

• Expand access to bilingual books
• Support educators on the frontlines
• Empower the next generation of readers across Africa

Because every child deserves the chance to read, rise, and lead.