Our story
Founded in 2008 by publisher Tom Maschler, The Book Bus has grown to become a trusted partner in primary schools in Zambia.
What began as a charity for the supply of vital reading materials has developed into an organisation committed to working with local and national authorities to addresses the country’s literacy challenges.
100,000
CHILDREN
Our Zambian teachers and volunteers have ensured that 100,000 pupils now have access to fabulous books.
4
BUSES
Our Zambian team has driven more than 500,000 miles delivering books and creating inspirational reading spaces.
70%
LITERACY RATE
With help from our supporters, we aim to boost literacy from 21% to 70% at our partner schools.
Our vision
The Vision of The Book Bus is that every child achieves full literacy and builds a stronger future through learning and education.
Our mission
The Book Bus mission is to get more children reading so they can progress through school with a quality education. We do this by creating positive reading environments in schools, homes and communities where children have free access to quality books, benefit from expert teaching and receive reading support from their families. Our mission succeeds when every child grows and prospers through the joy and power of reading.
“I'm so proud of the work The Book Bus does and I'm deeply touched to be involved with this wonderful project."
“The Book Bus provides much more than just literacy – it’s opening a door to the future in an incredible way. Once you ignite curiosity – well that’s like a machine that creates its own energy and if you can get books to these children, sit with them, talk to them, read with them and develop that enthusiasm for reading, then you really don’t know what wonders that will lead to in the future.”
Sir Quentin Blake
Renowned illustrator and children’s writer
Patron of The Book Bus Foundation
Our Zambian team
Monica Mulenga – Country Director
Monica first became involved with The Book Bus Foundation as a volunteer at our UNHCR project in Zambia in 2010.
With a close understanding of local culture, tradition and the education system, Monica recognised the challenges and opportunities for The Book Bus. She has since built the project from a standing start into the effective and dynamic literacy organisation it is today.
Monica is supported by her full-time team who are based at our HQ in the city of Kitwe. They include: a graduate Literacy Coordinator, three qualified teachers, two driver/mechanics and reading mentors an office coordinator and volunteer reading mentors from the community.
Literacy Coordinator: Ms Bwalaya Chimba
Link Teachers: Mr Mulilwa Mulilwa
Ms Precious Musatila
Ms Kaela Chishimba
Driver / Mechanic: Mr Edward Sakala
Driver / Fixer: Mr Raj Mushili
Our Founder
Tom Maschler
Tom Maschler was a publisher for over four decades, working with thirteen Nobel Prize winners, nurturing writers who are now household names and originating the idea for the Booker Prize.
With a love and fascination for children’s books, Tom published Roald Dahl and paired him with Quentin Blake, whose illustrations contributed so much to the author’s books.
Tom’s inspiration to start the Book Bus came after a trip to Zambia where he saw that literacy was one of the key life skills that can take a child from poverty to prosperity.
Our Trustees
David Gordon
Jon Pennells
John Bruce
Board Secretary: Emil Kowalski
The UK Team
CEO: David Gordon
Education advisor: Professor Cathie Wallace
Child Literacy Advisors
Sanchita Basu De Sarkar: UK
Mr Bupe Mwappe: Zambia