Overview

The Read To The World Project is the flagship community literacy, reading culture, and local literature initiative of Zambian ARTS Publishing House. Officially launched in June 2026, the project seeks to strengthen literacy, inspire lifelong reading, and expand equitable access to quality learning resources for children, young people, and communities across Zambia.

Using books as its primary tool for change, the project promotes literacy, lifelong learning, creativity, and educational opportunity by making quality reading materials more accessible while empowering Zambian authors to share locally relevant knowledge, stories, and experiences.

The project aims to provide access to 100,000 book copies by December 2030, including printed books and eBooks distributed through schools, libraries, community learning spaces, reading clubs, literacy programmes, bookstores, digital platforms, sponsorships, donations, and strategic partnerships. Beyond book distribution, the project seeks to cultivate a sustainable culture of reading that contributes to improved literacy outcomes and stronger communities.

Many communities across Zambia continue to experience limited access to quality reading materials, while talented writers often face barriers to publishing and reaching readers. Read To The World addresses both challenges by strengthening the entire literacy ecosystem, supporting authors, expanding access to books, encouraging reading habits, and building partnerships that increase opportunities for learning and personal development.

Through the Project Publishing Sponsorship Programme, eligible authors receive support towards publishing their books. The project also mobilises donations, sponsorships, and partnerships to acquire and distribute books, particularly those written by Zambian authors, to schools, libraries, community organisations, and underserved communities. This integrated approach strengthens literacy while supporting Zambia’s writers, publishers, booksellers, and creative industries.

The project is guided by an evidence-based approach that measures not only the number of books distributed, but also improvements in literacy engagement, reading culture, community participation, and access to learning opportunities, ensuring that every intervention contributes to meaningful and lasting educational impact.

Project Launch

Read To The World was officially launched in June 2026 as a long-term national literacy initiative dedicated to strengthening reading culture, improving access to quality learning resources, and empowering local authors.

While the project is in its early stages, its long-term vision is to build a Zambia where every child and young person has the opportunity, resources, and motivation to become a confident reader, lifelong learner, and active contributor to society.

Every partnership, sponsorship, donation, volunteer, and book shared contributes to achieving this vision.

Project Timeline

Who We Reach

Through the Read To The World Project, quality books and literacy opportunities reach:

📚 Schools & Libraries

Strengthening learning environments through improved access to quality reading materials.

🏘️ Communities & Reading Clubs

Building a stronger culture of reading through community-based literacy initiatives.

👧 Children & Youth

Supporting literacy, critical thinking, creativity, confidence, and lifelong learning.

👨‍👩‍👧 Families & Caregivers

Encouraging home-based reading and family participation in literacy development.

🏥 Institutions

Providing access to books within healthcare facilities, correctional institutions, rehabilitation centres, and other community learning spaces.

📖 Individual Readers

Expanding access through bookstores, digital platforms, and community partnerships.

Beyond increasing access to books, the project seeks to strengthen literacy outcomes, preserve Zambia’s literary heritage, promote lifelong reading, support local authors, and contribute to educational, cultural, and social development across the country.

Project Status

Our Goal

To strengthen literacy and build a nationwide culture of reading by providing access to 100,000 quality book copies by December 2030 while empowering children, young people, communities, and local authors through sustainable partnerships and equitable access to learning resources.

Our Vision

A Zambia where every child and young person has the opportunity, resources, and motivation to become a confident reader, lifelong learner, and active contributor to society.

Our Mission

To strengthen literacy, inspire a culture of reading, and expand equitable access to quality learning resources by working with schools, libraries, communities, authors, government institutions, businesses, and development partners across Zambia.

Our Core Objectives

• Improve literacy and reading outcomes among children and young people.

• Increase equitable access to quality, affordable, and culturally relevant books.

• Promote a lifelong culture of reading through community-based literacy initiatives.

• Support the publication and promotion of books written by Zambian authors.

• Reduce financial barriers to publishing through sponsorship opportunities.

• Strengthen schools, libraries, reading clubs, and community learning spaces.

• Encourage family and community participation in literacy development.

• Build strategic partnerships that expand literacy opportunities across Zambia.

• Strengthen sustainable systems for publishing, book distribution, and digital access to learning resources.

Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Read To The World Project contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:

• SDG 4 – Quality Education

• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

Together, we are building a future where children, young people, families, and communities are empowered through literacy, lifelong learning, and locally relevant knowledge, one reader, one book, and one opportunity at a time.

To learn more about how the project will achieve its vision, explore our implementation strategy, partnership framework, monitoring and evaluation approach, distribution model, and opportunities to collaborate.