
Software solutions that allow authors to easily create and export texts in mother tongue languages (including sign languages)
Project Name
Bloom
Location Implemented
Global
Technology Used
Software/Apps
Competition Entered
Enabling Writers Prize
Reading Skill Targeted
Foundational, Pre-Reading, Reading
Status
Winner
Amount Award
$100,000
Collaborators/Partners
SIL LEAD, Inc.
The Challenge
A leading barrier to improving children’s reading skills is the lack of appropriate and engaging reading materials in local languages, which in turn leaves children unable to practice reading in a language they use and understand. A large body of evidence confirms that reading to young children in their local spoken or sign language builds a strong foundation for their education.
The Big Idea
Bloom software is the only open source book writing software than can be used offline and has the ability to guide the production of decodable text and levelled readers in any language--including sign languages. Books can be exported in book format in print (PDF) or digital (EPUB). The software also includes a "talking book" function that enables authors to record audio.
Results
Bloom software is available for free at https://bloomlibrary.org/landing
Featured Innovation
Bloom
Bloom software makes it easy to create simple children's books and translate them into multiple languages.