The Reading Box is a creative response to an immense problem.
For the Love of Reading
In Zambia, one woman (an ex-teacher from Sidmouth), came to realise the immense problem the lack of education and reading skills. This was especially evident amongst females, and the impact is felt across country.
On average, the literacy rate in Zambia is about 60%. Many Zambian children are unable to achieve even the most basic of reading and writing levels.
Statistically, almost half the Zambian populace is below 15 years of age. The lack of rudimentary reading skills amongst these children, bodes badly for the future and economic development.
Parents are often unable to afford the cost of books, uniforms and fees. As a consequence, many children leave school without an education, especially the girls. They are considered to be of more use working in the home. There is no culture of reading for enjoyment, nor is there easy access to books or other reading materials.
Founder Val Harwood
Val Harwood, the founder of ‘The Reading Box’ recognised the scale of the problem. So, she took this project on when in 2010 she moved to Lusaka in Zambia with her husband. Val is part of the Grace City Church and a highly experienced infant teacher. Consequently, Val became determined to do something to improve the situation.
The Reading Box’s UK Representative
Ruth Parker (of the Community Church in Honiton, East Devon) is The Reading Box’s UK representative.
These 2 women have channelled their passion for education and love of reading into developing this project. They hope to create a better world and a brighter future for Zambia’s children.
What The Reading Box does
The Reading Box serves to redress this imbalance by inspiring a love of books and reading in children. This is accompanied by training others in the teaching of reading skills. And encouraging parents and teachers to read and to share this key life skill with many more Zambian children.
Val and her team model good literacy teaching and offer training in how to teach reading in a fun and interactive way. Importantly, they hope to train teachers and others who are involved with children as well as teams of volunteers. Their goal is to cover the whole country, in the future.
How can you help?
- Raise awareness of the need to increase the literacy of children in Zambia and of ‘The Reading Box’ project.
- Donate books towards the project. (Check out the website for lists of books required and the addresses of where to send them)
- Give or fundraise for money to cover the cost of shipping and operating expenses. Information on how to do this is found on the website
- Find us and like us on Facebook: The Reading Box
- Share ideas of how else YOU could help by emailing: connect@thereadingbox.org
**Khanya Hospice is another wonderful charity in South Africa**
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