Library For All launches in Vanuatu for International Literacy Day

Children in Vanuatu will have the chance to read local stories that spark imagination and build foundations for a lifelong love of reading, with the launch of a new project to create a library of 100 uniquely tailored Vanuatu books.

Just ahead of International Literacy Day on Sunday 8 September, the annual day promoting the critical importance of literacy, Save the Children Vanuatu is launching its ‘Library for All’ project, a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide children across Vanuatu with access to culturally relevant and engaging books.

Supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the year-long project aims to increase local children’s access to education and improve literacy rates through the creation of at least 100 new books that tell stories unique to Vanuatu.

Writing workshops will be held in communities across Vanuatu over the coming months to create unique stories that reflect a sense of place and identity familiar to the children that will read the books.

Once written, more than 8000 copies of the books will be distributed across the country to children living in remote communities to foster a love of reading and learning.

Katherine Kasso, Library for All Program Manager with Save the Children in Vanuatu, said:

"We know that literacy creates opportunities, and we hope this exciting project will inspire a new generation of readers and thinkers in Vanuatu.

"The idea is for the books to compliment the abundance of ‘window’ books that exist in the world - books that give a glimpse into the lives of others - and enrich a child’s reading experience by seeing their own lives and identities ‘mirrored’ on the pages they read.

"Through Save the Children’s work, we are empowering children with the tools they need to unlock their potential and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities."

A virtual writers’ workshop will be held next month to allow local writers to hear more about the project and share ideas.