Monthly Archives: June 2012

If you read this blog, you probably already know that we are passionate about making learning to read easier and more fun for children everywhere which is why we donate an eBook to a child in need every time we sell one. So you may not be surprised that we followed with great interest the inaugural World Literacy Summit when it was held in Oxford, U.K. in April, 2012. This summit brought together leaders in development and literacy from around the world to discuss how best to work together to eradicate illiteracy. The event was conceived and organized by the non-profit, World Literacy Foundation.

Today we are excited to announce that Budding Reader has partnered with World Literacy Foundation to bring Budding Reader eBooks to more children in the developing world. World Literacy Foundation provides Literacy Resource Kits, books and learning tools to thousands of marginalized children throughout the globe. They have trained hundreds of volunteers, tutors and teachers and together they reach nearly 500,000 impoverished children each year. They work hard to provide the same education opportunities we take for granted in the developed world to those children in the poorest countries that need it most.

We’re honored and excited to partner with such an outstanding organization and thrilled that more children will have access to Budding Reader eBooks.

Melinda

P.S. Here is the press release:

June 29, 2012 – The World Literacy Foundation today announced a new partnership with independent publisher Budding Reader to provide free learn-to-read e-books to schools and organizations in the developing world.

Through the new initiative thousands of disadvantaged children in Sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia will be given free access to e-books from the Budding Reader eBook series.

CEO Andrew Kay said the World Literacy Foundation is excited to offer the valuable learning tool from Budding Reader and acknowledged that the future of education and learning is rapidly moving toward new digital technologies and opportunities.

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to bring these award-winning learn-to-read books to places in the developing world like rural Africa, where appropriate books for very early readers are extremely rare,” Mr. Kay said.

The Budding Reader e-books incorporate effective principles identified by the National Reading Panel to make reading easier and more enjoyable for young children. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging storylines, the eBooks are set to transform the way children in developing countries learn.

Mr. Kay also outlined the cost benefits of implementing new technologies for the Foundation’s programs.

“Digital books can be much cheaper and easier to distribute in the developing world where there is poor infrastructure,” he said.

Melinda Thompson, President of Budding Reader eBooks, admires the work that the World Literacy Foundation does in the developing world.

“They understand not only the value of literacy and traditionally-printed books, but also how new technologies and socially responsible business models like ours can help to bring education and literacy to all,” she said. “We’d like to see all publishers donate eBooks to people in need and join the movement to eradicate illiteracy. After all, how can children learn to read without access to books?”

The World Literacy Foundation is an independent not-for-profit charitable body founded in Australia in 2003. The Foundation acknowledges education as a basic human right, and believes that literacy unlocks the door to a life of learning. Higher literacy levels enable people to overcome the barriers of poverty, disease and fulfil their potential. The World Literacy Foundation seeks to have a global impact and boost the quality of literacy programs in the developing world. For more information, visit www.worldliteracyfoundation.org

Budding Reader is an independent publisher which aims to make learning to read easier and more fun for children, especially reluctant readers. Their book sets incorporate research-based principles to build literacy skills. Budding Reader partners with literacy non-profits to donate one eBook to a child in need for every one sold. For more information, see: www.buddingreader.com