Safaricom, Kenya’s leading telecommunications provider, has teamed up with the international nonprofit Worldreader to bring a wealth of digital books directly to Kenyan households through the BookSmart app. The partnership aims to boost literacy and nurture a passion for reading among children through Android and iOS devices.
BookSmart is a family-focused reading app brimming with over 3,000 high-quality books and engaging activities for children aged 3-12. There’s a diverse selection offered in both English and Swahili. Designed for more than just passive reading, the BookSmart app should come in handy for strengthening reading comprehension, cultivating social-emotional skills, and even building digital literacy in Kenyan families.
“When children read with adults it stays with them for life and increases their potential for future success,” Worldreader’s Director of Partnerships and Services in Kenya, Olivia Kimani, said in a press release published on March 20. “This partnership represents the power of putting reading in the hands of all families so they can prepare their children for their greatest potential”.
In a generous move, Safaricom is sponsoring access to BookSmart for over 2,000 subscribers for the next three months. This means families can use the app without any data charges, ensuring stories are accessible to all. To sign up, interested Safaricom subscribers can visit this page.
“This initiative, which is harnessing the power of technology to make quality children’s books accessible to Kenyan families, aligns with our purpose of transforming lives and our commitment to promote digital inclusion. It also underscores the importance of collaboration in driving positive social impact,” said Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom CEO.
Sadly, a significant portion of Kenyan children struggle with reading; 80% of 10-year-olds cannot read and understand a simple story. Access to books at home is often limited. The BookSmart app changes this, putting a world of captivating stories at children’s fingertips. From sports and friendship to science and the beloved Akili Kids, BookSmart caters to diverse interests. It features books from Kenyan and other regional publishers, ensuring children see themselves and their communities represented.
Used in over 100 countries and having helped a staggering 22 million readers, BookSmart has a proven track record. You can download the BookSmart app for free from Google Play Store, Apple App Store or through the company’s website.
