December 8, 2021
The Asia Foundation’s (TAF) Let’s Read project has released an early peek at a collection of character sketches and concept art for a series of books being produced under their Begin with Books prize.
TAF’s Let’s Read project is bringing together local authors, illustrators, designers, language experts and volunteer translators in Laos, Nepal and Papua New Guinea to create and adapt 380 children’s books in six local spoken and signed languages and publishing them on the Global Digital Library and the Let’s Read digital library, free web-based platforms that will make high-quality learning resources available.
In low resource and underserved areas like those being served by Let’s Read, one of the prominent barriers to literacy is access to books in local languages that children use and understand. Research is clear that literacy, especially reading at grade level, is the cornerstone of learning and succeeding in school. Reading places children on a path for future success in school, employment, health and society. Research also shows that children experience greater reading success when learning in their local spoken or signed language.
These sketches are part of a group of 100 adapted and 20 new books being created in Tamang, a local language in Nepal. Earlier this year, The Asia Foundation also hosted a well-received online read-aloud session on local radio and television for three books adapted into Tamang for those who lack access to the online Tamang resources.
Providing engaging and accessible books in Tamang is a meaningful step towards empowering and supporting children in Tamang communities on their path to literacy. Learn more about the Let’s Read project and the Begin with Books prize.
