Reading transforms lives. Help us continue our work in Zambia and give children hope.
Working in Zambia since 2008, The Book Bus is dedicated to improving children’s literacy. We provide books and libraries for pupils as well as critical training support for teachers.
Over 100,000 children now experience the joy of reading thanks to The Book Bus’s collaboration with schools, families and local communities. With your support, we can do so much more.
Together, we can unlock not only a world of reading pleasure but a wealth of opportunities.
Join us and help children in Zambia enjoy a brighter future.
250,000
BOOKS DISTRIBUTED
Books make a world of difference.
English is the official language of Zambian government, commerce and law. We also provide books in local languages as children find English easier to learn when they first learn to read in their mother tongue.
£48.33
PER PUPIL
It costs less than £50 per pupil to unlock reading skills.
And with our help, the percentage of pupils who achieved a ‘pass’ grade on the Functional Literacy Assessment Test score rose from 11% to 34%.
200+
SCHOOLS
Children need good teachers, and teachers need support.
The Book Bus provides training courses, reading schemes and workshops to give teachers the key skills they need to help pupils learn.
“Education is the game changer. Addressing child literacy will help us dismantle gender inequalities as well as poverty.”
Monica Mulenga
Country Director
There is a global literacy crisis and UNESCO estimates that 250 million children are unable to read despite attending school.
Illiteracy impacts girls disproportionately. While 7 in 10 men can read, only half of women can do so and the Book Bus is committed to providing safe and supportive spaces for girls to learn.
For girls in Zambia, school can be the difference between being pregnant at 12 and being able to lead a life full of opportunities.
Book Bus Holiday Clubs
As well as working throughout term times, we provide Book Bus Holiday Clubs which give children a safe place to learn, play and develop confidence.
With your support we can extend our offer of free access to children’s literature including books that celebrate gender equality within the community.
These books are not mere stories – they are gateways to new possibilities, igniting a love for reading while highlighting the importance of equal opportunities for all.
Michelle Zulu has enjoyed the support of the Book Bus for three years.