Illiteracy remains widespread in Tanzania. Around 20% of the adult population cannot read or write. The Uwezo Reports – broad-based, representative education studies in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda – have shown that many Tanzanian children do not even acquire basic reading and writing skills in primary school.
Why is this? One reason is the lack of books. There is a shortage of textbooks and school libraries with children's and young adult literature and age-appropriate non-fiction books that open up access to reading and convey the joy of reading.
The lack of a widespread “reading culture” also plays a role. Teachers, too, are often unaware of the value of promoting reading. And there is a lack of knowledge about how children and young people can be motivated to read in the long term and how the joy of reading can be awakened. Since there is no strong reading tradition, the vast majority of children do not come into contact with books in their families either.
Reading skills and good reading comprehension are the basis for effective learning, academic success, and overcoming poverty. That is why PROBONO has been working closely with local partner organizations since 2018 to promote reading—by building and equipping school libraries, purchasing books, and implementing comprehensive reading promotion programs. Reading games and competitions awaken the joy of reading and motivate children and young people to read.
Once reading is no longer difficult and the joy of reading has been awakened, the dam is broken and children read, even “devour” one book after another of their own accord. Reading promotion has a lifelong effect. And the effect is transferred. Children of parents who read read more themselves. Reading promotion is a key to learning success.
Many statistics show that children with good reading skills are more likely to achieve higher educational qualifications and earn higher incomes. Girls will marry later and live healthier lives with their families. Reading opens up access to education and knowledge, thereby strengthening independent thinking and the freedom to make one's own decisions.
We need your help to support many more schools with libraries, books, and reading promotion measures. Thank you very much for your donations!
... are the basis of learning. However, many African schools lack the most basic necessities. In Tanzania, an average of eight children share one textbook. Sometimes there is only one book for an entire class. And it is often outdated. Without books, children cannot learn independently and review what has been covered in class. That is why PROBONO regularly supports primary and secondary schools with textbooks and teaching materials, independently of the construction of school libraries and our reading promotion projects.
Help us equip schools in East Africa with books and teaching materials with your donation! Every amount helps!
There has recently been a major innovation at Mramba Primary School in Mwanga: a school library for the 650 children, including 84 deaf pupils. The new room is equipped with shelves, tables, chairs, textbooks for all grades, and children's and young adult literature, inviting pupils to learn, browse, and discover.
Since July 2023, the Amani School in Tanzania has had its own library with lots of books, shelves, and reading tables. This is an important step toward promoting reading enjoyment and educational opportunities for children.
Reading promotes education: Two secondary schools in Tanzania are delighted with their new school libraries, which contain reference books, young adult novels, and games such as Scrabble. The libraries are being used enthusiastically and are promoting a love of learning, language skills, and equal opportunities. Thank you to all our funding partners!
Reading competitions are one of the highlights of PROBONO's reading promotion activities in Tanzania. They spark children's enthusiasm for reading in a playful way. Many thanks to the BMZ and the Rivera Foundation for supporting the project!
New libraries bring new opportunities: With new school libraries at two schools in Tanzania, PROBONO is promoting reading skills and a love of learning among children and young people. The enthusiasm is huge!
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