Global education nonprofit organization, Worldreader is backing family oriented reading routines to enhance reading culture among young learners across Kenya.
Speaking when she met with various business executives in Nairobi to explore ways to provide its free reading application, BookSmart, to all families with young children, Worldreader Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Chandler Leege noted the prevailing reading crisis which needs to be urgently addressed.
“In Kenya, across the continent, and even in the United States, the issue isn’t that children don’t want to read; it’s a crisis of reading routines starting from their earliest years,” she stated.
According to the organization, its data-driven approach fosters lasting reading routines between caregivers and young children of at least five years of age.
Through its BookSmart application, Worlreader says it has supported the growth of young readers across the globe with at least 22 million having used the application since 2010.
“One of the most inspiring aspects of BookSmart is that families, regardless of background, are embracing the joy of reading and inspiring others with their stories,” said Elizabeth Wasunna, Worldreader Kenya board chairperson.
Worldreader says regular family-led reading has been shown to improve language acquisition, vocabulary, cognitive skills, and social-emotional development, helping prepare children for school and enabling teachers to effectively deliver the curriculum.
“Our solution is simple: by harnessing the power of collective action and social media, we can get BookSmart directly into the hands of all young families in Kenya,” added Leege.
Provision of free access to BookSmart application through partnerships to all families with young children is expected to ensure the next generation of Kenyan children become avid readers.
During the meeting, participants were also introduced to Worldreader’s “reading circle”—a digital platform for parents, partners, and corporate and individual donors committed to building a more literate world.
This innovative platform enables participants to track the direct impact of their actions on the future readers of Kenya.
