The lack of a widespread "reading culture" also plays a role. Tanzania is characterized by oral traditions. Books are seen primarily as vehicles for transmitting knowledge and as learning aids. Thus, teachers often lack awareness of the value of reading promotion. 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 widespread reading tradition, the vast majority of children do not come into contact with books in their families either.

Reading skills and a good understanding of reading are the basis for effective learning, for success at school and for overcoming poverty. For this reason, PROBONO has been increasingly involved in reading promotion together with a local partner organization since 2018 - with the construction and installation of school libraries, the purchase of books and with a comprehensive reading promotion program. Reading games, reading competitions and reading campaigns are used to awaken the joy of reading and motivate children and young people to read.

Promoting reading is sustainable

Once reading is no longer difficult and the joy of reading has been awakened, the dam is broken and children often read and "devour" one book after another of their own free will. Promoting reading has a lifelong effect. And the effect is transmitted. Children of reading parents read more themselves. Promoting reading is a key to successful learning.

Many statistics show that children with good reading skills are more likely to achieve a higher level of education and earn a higher income. Girls will marry later, have children later and fewer children, and live healthier lives with their families. Reading opens up access to education and knowledge and thus strengthens independent thinking and the freedom to make one's own decisions.

We are currently building school libraries at two large secondary schools in Tanzania and equipping them with furniture and many books. Reading clubs have also been established here to promote reading in the long term. We still need financial support for more books and the reading promotion measures.

Thank you very much for your help!

At Irkisongo Secondary School, the existing school library has been modernized and better equipped, with additional library furniture and many new books. The students at the girls' school are very pleased and now use the modernized library much more intensively. Almost 100 students participate in the school's reading club, which was founded as part of the PROBONO project. Reading together, retelling stories and playing various reading and quiz games are fun ways to promote reading comprehension.

The project at Relijuu School and Irkisongo School was supported by Engagement Global with funds from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Rivera Foundation, the Erasmus Frankfurt City School and the Schillerschule Frankfurt. We would like to thank you very much!