As school systems around the world shut down due to concerns about COVID-19, the provision of high-quality, appropriate reading materials to students wherever they are is of prime importance.
The Global Book Alliance is responding through its flagship initiative, the Global Digital Library, by fast tracking development of an online cross-platform search function of the top sources for free, open source, early grade reading materials. Early grade books, games and interactive content in over 200 languages will be available from popular libraries including African Storybook, Let’s Read and StoryWeaver.
The search function will allow governments, teachers, publishers and parents to search thousands of vetted digital materials by reading level, language, and topic area — quickly, easily, and free of cost. These materials can be used online or offline on phones, tablets or computers, or printed and read in hard copy.
The cross-platform search will be ready by summer of 2020.
While the GBA continues to seek opportunities to mitigate the difficulties introduced by the coronavirus, at this time all stakeholders including publishers, governments, donor organizations and implementers are encouraged to contribute high-quality open-source educational materials to the Global Digital Library, and to spread the word about the new cross-platform search.
For further information, see this announcement from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation or contact the GBA.