The Impact of a Parent's Involvement on a Child's Literacy

Parent and caregiver involvement is one of the most significant factors influencing a child's literacy. When parents actively participate in their children’s reading activities, it not only improves literacy skills but also nurtures a lifelong love for reading. At NABU, we believe that literacy is a right, not a privilege, and that fostering a reading culture should start at home.

Parent and caregiver involvement plays a critical role in a child’s literacy development, serving as the foundation for academic success and lifelong learning. Research from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD, 2021) highlights that children whose parents read to them regularly are not only more likely to excel in literacy but also demonstrate stronger cognitive and social-emotional skills. These early interactions between parents and children create a nurturing environment where reading becomes a shared experience, fostering curiosity, imagination, and a love for stories.

Despite the proven benefits of parental engagement, millions of families face barriers to accessing books, particularly in underserved communities. UNESCO (2023) reports that 244 million children worldwide are out of school, and many lack access to age-appropriate, culturally relevant reading materials. This gap disproportionately affects families in low-income regions, where literacy tools are scarce, and systemic inequalities hinder educational progress. NABU bridges this gap by providing free, mother-tongue books that empower parents to become active participants in their children’s literacy journeys, ensuring that no family is left behind.

Studies show that children whose parents read with them at least three times a week are two to three times more likely to perform at grade level in reading compared to those who don’t receive the same support (National Institute for Literacy, 2022). Parental involvement also strengthens emotional bonds, improves concentration, and builds confidence in young readers.

Globally, however, 57% of children in low- and middle-income countries cannot read or understand a simple text by age 10 (World Bank, 2023). For families in under-resourced communities, access to engaging and culturally relevant books remains a significant barrier.

How NABU is Empowering Families

NABU is committed to empowering families through free, mother-tongue books that are easily accessible on mobile devices. By removing language and financial barriers, we provide resources for parents to actively participate in their children’s literacy journeys.

Our app features stories like The Taste of Victory and Dance of Courage, designed to spark meaningful conversations and foster deeper connections between parents and children. With over 94,000 users on our web reader last month and millions of readers globally, NABU is creating lasting change for families everywhere, whether they call a traditional home, a refugee camp, or a temporary shelter their "home." From urban apartments to rural villages, from displacement camps to informal settlements, we're creating lasting change by putting mother-tongue stories in the hands of every family who needs them. According to UNHCR (2023), over 110 million people are currently displaced worldwide, making accessible education more crucial than ever.

Together, We Can Change Lives

Parent and caregiver involvement is the cornerstone of literacy development, and NABU's digital platform makes this possible for millions of families worldwide.To reach the 773 million adults and children who still lack basic literacy skills (UNESCO, 2023), we need your help. The challenge is immense; however, we cannot tackle the learning crisis alone. Every $10 donated provides 1 child and family with access to our digital library of mother-tongue books, creating change that transforms entire communities.

Your gift today will help us reach more families with stories that inspire children to read, dream, and become tomorrow's leaders. Whether it's providing digital access to remote villages in Rwanda or creating new mother-tongue content for communities in Haiti, your support fuels a global literacy movement that changes futures.

With your support, NABU can ensure families around the world cultivate a love of literacy and provide their children with the foundational skills needed to thrive. Join us in this global literacy movement – donate today and help us change lives, one book, one family, one dream at a time.

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