Generation Reader
Together, we can use the power of books to help 10 million children and young people in Africa unlock their potential.
By 2030, over a third of the world’s young people will be in Africa. Millions of them will have no books at all.
That’s an estimated 733 million children and young people who could become future doctors, teachers, business leaders, writers and more.
But, for millions of children and young people in Africa there is a real risk they will not realise their potential and be able to lift themselves out of the cycle of poverty, because they lack access to books and quality education.
Together, we can get them the books they need.
Through Generation Reader we will work with our partners to scale up our vital work, creating access to books in even more schools, more public and community libraries and more universities across sub-Saharan Africa.
We must act now to have an impact on the next generation of young people in Africa.
We are at the most critical juncture for Africa’s children. Get it right, and we set the foundation for a demographic dividend, which could lift hundreds of millions out of extreme poverty, and contribute to enhanced prosperity, stability, and peace.
Leila Pakkala, UNICEF’s Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa UNICEF Generation 2030 Africa 2.0 Report
Get involved
Want to find out more? Contact Clair, our Trusts and Corporates Manager

How you can help
We need to raise £4 million by 2030 to create a generation of readers.
Your donation today could make all the difference.
To start a conversation about your involvement contact Clair, our Trusts and Corporates Manager:
Meet the people who make it all possible
Your gifts will support ambitious young students who are determined to read, parents who are fighting for their children’s futures and teachers who are working to support young people against seemingly impossible odds.
Madame Anne in Kenya
I am passionate about books because books changed me. I am a different person because of them
Monica in Ghana
If someone said ‘oh books are not important’ I would tell that person she is out of her mind!
Judith in Malawi
I want my daughter to keep on reading her books. I remind her how this is her chance to have a good life.
Eletina in Malawi
If I never had access to books, things would be different
Daniel James in Malawi
If anyone would want to bring more books to our school, I wish that they should bring more English books. I need more English books
Yvonne in Kenya
I have read about women who have succeeded. I believe I can succeed too.
Timothy in Ghana
The books let me feel happy. Goldilocks and the Three Bears is my favourite. Having books in school helps us.
Find out more about our charity
Our mission and vision
Our vision is a world where everyone has access to books that will enrich, improve and change their lives.
Read moreReports and publications
Read our latest publications, including our Annual Review and Strategy.
Read moreOur finances
At Book Aid International all the income we receive is from voluntary donations – we receive no government grants.
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