We rely on the generosity of private donors, foundations, and sponsors to fund all our activities.
The Book Bus is dedicated to supporting children and improving their literacy and we are fully committed to being transparent about how we use all funds.
Our first book-filled bus journey arrived in Zambia in 2008. Since then, thousands of children in Zambia, Ecuador, and Malawi benefitted from books and educational resources.
Thanks to your generous donations, we’ve been able to commission six more buses and we’ve launched the “I Am a Reader” project. This four-year initiative successfully created 10,000 new child readers by 2022.
We want to continue this important work in Zambia, with the goal of reaching a further 12,000 new child readers by 2027. With your help, more children can experience the joy of reading and break the cycle of poverty.
Your impact
Your contributions are improving children’s lives every day.
How we allocated funds
Operating Costs and Fundraising – 15%
For every pound donated, fifteen pence goes toward running our office, paying staff, managing the charity, monitoring project progress, and securing future funds.
Charitable Activities – 85%
Some 85% of Book Bus funding is dedicated to the charitable activities outlined in our Impact Report. These efforts are making a significant difference by providing children with the essential reading skills they need.
Download and explore our latest report.
More about how we make a difference
1. Outreach Programs
What We Do:
We establish connections with schools and collaborate with them to identify their specific needs.
How We Do It:
Through school surveys, research and development, logistics planning, and continuous monitoring and evaluation.
2. Libraries & Reading Corners
What We Do:
We partner with teachers and local teams to create safe and inspiring reading environments for children.
How We Do It:
By renovating and adapting libraries, schools, and homes to foster a love for reading.
3. Books
What We Do:
We provide free access to engaging and relevant books.
How We Do It:
By supplying books to schools, libraries and homes.
4. Teacher Training & Support
What We Do:
We build the capacity and skills of staff, teachers, and volunteers.
How We Do It:
Through professional development, teacher training and implementing reading programs. This includes training for Book Bus staff, schoolteachers, and the recruitment, training, and management of volunteer reading mentors.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation
What We Do:
We implement processes to assess children’s reading levels and identify their learning needs.
How We Do It:
Through continuous surveys and analysis to measure project success and effectiveness.
6. Securing a Sustainable Future
What We Do:
We integrate The Book Bus approach into the school system to promote a long-term impact.
How We Do It:
By forming partnerships with local governments and other educational NGOs.
With your help we can continue to change children’s lives through the power of reading
We want to raise funds for our next project cycle which will provide vital education resources, access to books and reading mentors for more than 8,000 children from 10 schools in Kitwe and the Kalulushi district.
With your help, we can then continue our work in Zambia and help us to reach the goal of helping a further 12,000 children by 2027.
Thank you for your amazing support and generosity.