2014 e learning innovations conference

1. Implementation and Scaling of e-Reading Programs in Africa:
Lessons from Schools and Libraries
July 30, 2014
Joan Mwachi
joan@worldreader.org

2. Our Vision: A world where every child and her family
have the books they need to improve their lives

3. Our Approach
—We curate the world’s largest
culturally relevant digital library,
geared towards readers in
developing countries
—We make that library available on
cost-effective and context-
appropriate technologies
—We partner with project
implementers and the private sector
to drive user adoption and remove
barriers to access

4. We turn low end phones into portable libraries via
Worldreader Mobile

5. Mobile Phones
—6 of the world’s 7 billion people have access to
mobile phones.
—Worldreader Mobile is an application built for
feature phones – and low end Android devices.
These phones reach 2 billion people across the
world. This distribution mechanism is particularly
cost-efficient as it takes advantage of existing
hardware that is already in people’s hands. So
anyone can download our application and use it for
free, and no hardware or money needs to change
hands.

6. We distribute
thousands of
books to
schools and
libraries
throughout
Africa via e-
readers
countries in sub-Saharan Africa
eaders deployed in 74 schools and 13 libraries

7. E-Readers
People Reading – 241,052
Books Delivered- 1,172, 355
E-readers Deployed - 6659

8. Cost-effective
Savings per school over 4 years
Context- appropriate
Low energy requirements
Focus on reading and
educational materials
Designed for off-line reading

9. Mobile Phones
1.7 million books read

10. Children make 2x progress reading words correctly
Girls outpace their peers in neighboring schools by 3
– 5x, closing a gender achievement gap.
Source: iREAD 2 Midterm Study, 2013

11. Project LEAP
Libraries, e-Reading, Activities, Partnership
•Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
•8 Libraries in Western Kenya / 250 e-readers/ 50,000 African and international
books

12. Lessons learned for Project Scaling

13. —Higher Student: E-reader ratio increases
cost-effectiveness (and we have seen,
anecdotally, leads to similar educational
outcomes)
—Teacher and community engagement is key
—A solar solution is key for off-the-grid
communities

14. Lessons learned for Project Scaling
LEAP Baseline findings:
1. Librarians and patrons want access to a diverse and large
collection of books AND access to technology.
2. Library users at all pilot sites tend to be school-aged, with
patrons under 25 years old being more active users of the
libraries than older adults.
3. Social interaction and public programs that engage
patrons are vital program components for connecting with
current patrons, and raising awareness about the library
and e-reader program for non-patrons.

15. Lessons learned for Project Scaling
1."Mobile is key for getting books into peoples'
hands” UNESCO report.
http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002274/22
7436E.pdf
2. "Program modifications needed for different
contexts” (schools, refugee settlements and libraries).
3. "Content is key.”
http://cdn.worldreader.org/wp-
content/uploads/2014/05/Project-LEAP-Baseline-

16. Thank you
joan@worldreader.or
www.worldreader.or
@worldreader