Introducing Read to Dream
Our mission: give children in Uganda access to books that spark their imagination and encourage them to dream #readitpossible
Have you ever read a book that’s changed your mind? That taught you something new? How many new worlds and ideas have you explored in a story?
That’s our belief at Read to Dream: that giving children access to books will not only improve their educational outcomes, it will spark their imagination and encourage them to dream. That’s why our small but passionate team is on a mission to open school libraries across Uganda.
It sounds simple. But in many parts of Uganda, the simple act of getting a book in a child’s hands is incredibly hard.
The challenge: when school doesn’t guarantee reading
Over the past few decades access to primary education in Uganda has improved. However for many children, access doesn’t always translate into learning. Problems like under-resourced schools, overcrowded classrooms, over-stretched teachers, lack of textbooks, and a near-total absence of libraries make it very hard to turn school enrolment into literacy. Let alone to provide an opportunity to fall in love with reading.
Why libraries can make a real difference
This is where Read to Dream comes in.
Our mission isn’t to supply textbooks. There is funding allocated for academic texts in the formal education system. Plus, how many of you fell in love with reading lost in a biology textbook? Instead, our libraries will give children access to fiction books and stories they can love.
This matters for several reasons:
Having access to a library in early school years can double the amount a child reads and can play a determining role in creating a lifelong reading habit. (Kevane, 2008)
Early ‘Reading for Pleasure’ supports improved brain and cognitive development, and mental well-being. Leisure reading inspires thinking, creativity, increases empathy and reduces stress. (Sun et al, 2003)
Reading enjoyment is more important for children’s educational success than their family’s socio-economic status (Nassimbeni & Desmond, 2011)
Choosing what to read, for example in a library, gives children agency and pride. They have greater motivation to finish the book and higher satisfaction while reading. (Clark and Phythian-Sence 2008).
Fiction shapes identity by offering representation and broadening a child’s experiences. It’s not an escape from reality, but a powerful way to understand it. (Nikolajeva, 2019)
In other words, books aren’t just educational tools. They are doorways to new worlds. They take a child beyond their immediate surroundings while building confidence, resilience, and inspiring dreams.
Our Approach
We are committed to being low-cost, high-impact and community-oriented. We are working with the Community Libraries Association of Uganda (COLAU) to find out where school libraries are most needed and wanted. COLAU connects and strengthens community libraries across Uganda to ensure sustainability. Working with in-country importers and local publishers we keep costs low. We prioritise finding and supplying children’s books by African authors that explore the world in a relatable way.
We work with schools who have a room and librarian available, and together we create safe, cosy reading spaces, aka their school library. Where possible we get a ‘Library Hour’ in the school timetable so the books are regularly used and loved.
Together we will build reading habits and support improved educational outcomes. Although for us, most importantly we will give children the chance to fall in love with reading.
How You Can Help
If you believe in the power of books and stories; in imagination and dreams; and of giving every child an opportunity to read and dream then join us.
You can donate or spread the word: forward this blog to a friend, reach out if you’ve any relevant connections. Maybe you’ll read this and think, “Yes, every child deserves access to a library.” We hope you do.
Because when a child opens a book for the first time, it doesn’t just teach them to read. It tells them anything is possible. 📚✨
