IBBY-Yamada 2019: Zimbabwe

IBBY Zimbabwe: Literacy and reading promotion in vulnerable communities

There is a huge discrepancy in literacy rates between communities in Zimbabwe. Reading for Meaning is a project directed at vulnerable and neglected children in ZIMRE Park Schools. ZIMRE Park is a new residential area on the eastern side of Harare. In the past, the teachers used to bring the classes to the local library, but now the school has much less time for reading projects. Volunteers from IBBY Zimbabwe visited the schools during library or reading club sessions. Activities include storytelling, promoting a reading culture and using techniques to capture and maintain the interests of the children. There are also reading workshops with young adults held at the National Galleries.