FFBW Establishes Partnership with Worldreader to Improve Reading Rates in Kenya

The Foundation for a Better World is partnering with Worldreader to address the reading crisis in Kenya. Worldreader is an educational non-profit that aims to get children reading and fully comprehending 25 books annually to improve academic outcomes, emotional intelligence and economic prospects. 

Eighty percent of 10-year-olds in Kenya cannot read and understand a simple story. Many families do not own a single children’s book. Children have limited access to reading experiences outside of the classroom. 

Worldreader has partnered with hundreds of schools and library associations for the last decade, but the organization understands the importance of reaching the family unit. Parents and caregivers are a young child’s first teachers, administering education before kids reach school age. Worldreader’s digital reading program, Booksmart, facilitates at-home reading, led directly by parents and caregivers. Through the Booksmart app, families can access a curated library, engaging activities and developmental tips. 

The partnership between FFBW and Worldreader will establish reading campaigns across the Nairobi area. These wraparound campaigns will drive the adoption and engagement of the Booksmart app. FFBW and Worldreader hope to catalyze at-home reading in 6,000 households and motivate 600 families to complete over 25 books this year. 

Additionally, the FFBW’s funding will contribute to completing a case study on the effects of these scalable marketing campaigns and their ability to shape knowledge, attitudes and methods of at-home reading. This case study will discover new best practices and insights to benefit the global development sector. 

This program can enhance reading rates and contribute to vital educational advancement. The FFBW is excited to further its work in the education sector with such a like-minded and proven partner.