In sub-Saharan Africa half of schools either have few or no textbooks at all according to Sacmeq, a body which monitors educational quality in southern and eastern Africa.

A nursery and primary school in Kilgoris, South-West Kenya, is hoping to overcome the textbook shortages by using donated e-readers.  The e-readers come loaded with textbooks in English and Kiswahli, and stories for primary school children.  The e-readers are provided by a not-for-profit organisation, the Kilgoris project, which is partnered with Worldreader.

Head teacher Shadrack Lemiso says: “We have seen a lot of positive changes since we started using the Kindles.  The children are very excited to learn and are often reading through their break.  It helps them with their spelling and (English) language skills.  Compared to other schools I have taught at, the children appear to be ahead.”  The e-readers can be charged with small solar power packs should there be a power cut and further books can be downloaded where there is a good internet connectivity.