By Dyson Mthawanji
A non-governmental organisation in Zambia, CARE Zambia, has reaffirmed its commitment to building a Zambia where all youths have the power of knowledge in their hands. The organisation said this during the 2025 International Literacy Day (ILD) which was commemorated on Monday 8th September in the country under the theme 'Promoting literacy in the digital era.’
Through our education and empowerment programmes, we continue to support efforts that break barriers, provide digital skills, and create safe, equitable spaces for learning.
During the ILD, CARE Zambia celebrated how digital tools help youths in Southern and Eastern Zambia strengthen their literacy.
Under CARE Zambia’s Mobile Libraries Initiative, community facilitators are equipped with tablets. This opens doors for people including the out-of-school youths and adults in accelerated learning classes.
Through this online initiative which uses tablets, over 10,000 books are borrowed most in both English and local languages like Tonga or Chewa.
This initiative also involves digital tracking which provides real-time insights into reading progress, helping identify how learners move from simple picture books to more complex stories.
Young people in community-based reading clubs and accelerated learning classes are showing stronger reading comprehension because their learning materials are now tailored to their interests and levels. This has improved digital confidence and use of digital tools to support reading and build digital literacy skills, crucial for participation in today’s world.