Give the Gift of Reading to 50,000 Children This Year

Amina first opened a copy of “Nuru Azuru Angani” in her school’s reading corner.

She whispered the names on the page and smiled. Nuru was the name of her classmate. Amani was the name of her cousin. She read the part where Nuru holds a toy rocket and says, “Natamani unipeleke mwezini na kunirudisha,” and she laughed. The story felt like hers. For the first time, reading that book didn’t require translation. It simply made sense.

Children who recognize familiar language, cultural cues, and lived environments in a story stay longer with books and read with greater motivation. According to the 2025 study on effects of structured culturally responsive Instruction on early reading comprehension and language skills, young students who received culturally responsive instruction showed statistically significant gains in language comprehension compared to students receiving generic instruction.

Across NABU communities, young readers spend more than ten minutes per session on our platform, a strong indicator of comprehension, agency, and engagement. Yet this experience is not guaranteed. In many low and middle-income regions, children enter school without access to books in a language they understand. A comprehensive 2022 report by the World Bank found that in low- and middle-income countries, around 70 % of 10-year-olds are unable to read and comprehend a simple age-appropriate text.

Early reading becomes a struggle before it even begins. Foundational skills are harder to build, and confidence declines. NABU addresses this challenge by publishing original children’s books in underserved languages with community writers, illustrators, and creative leaders. More than 888 books have been published so far. In regions with limited connectivity, radio storytelling provides access without smartphones or the internet. The model adapts to the context and makes daily reading accessible to every child.

The model adapts to context, leverages local creativity, and makes reading a lived reality rather than a distant aspiration.

50,000 More Children. One Target.

Investing in early reading through mother-tongue books is one of the most cost-effective ways to strengthen literacy and long-term learning outcomes. Each child reached represents improved academic performance, stronger self-belief, and better opportunities.

Join us in expanding literacy at scale

Amina experienced the joy of reading because a mother-tongue storybook was available on the day she needed it. Many children are still waiting for that first book.

Your support today helps deliver reading into homes, classrooms, and communities. It gives young learners the chance to see themselves in stories. It lays a foundation for learning and development.

Support the mission to reach 50,000 young readers this year.

Give the gift of reading in a language a child understands and loves