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Help millions of children learn to read and rise to their full potential.

Illiteracy is a global crisis holding back millions of individuals and entire communities. If every child could read, 171 million people would rise out of poverty. Your donation allows us to create mother tongue children's books, reach those most in need, and partner with local organizations, all in the fight to end childhood illiteracy. Together, we can make a difference.

Help a child learn to read and rise to their full potential

At NABU, we provide children with free access to high-quality bilingual books, empowering them to thrive through literacy. Together, we can bridge opportunity gaps and create supportive learning environments, unlocking the potential of every child.

The Impact of Your Gift

NABU is free for children, families, and teachers, thanks to our generous donors. Your donation can make a big difference:

  • $5 monthly subscription for one child: Give 6 children and their families access to NABU’s multilingual content.
  • $25 monthly subscription - Classroom Heroes: Transform young minds with 12 authentic mother tongue print books monthly. Your monthly gift fills shelves with stories that celebrate local culture.
  • $45 monthly subscription - Language Legacy Builder: Expand NABU’s language offerings to help preserve cultural heritage. Fund local translators who bring stories to life in new communities each month.
  • $150 monthly subscription - Community Catalyst: Connect over 180 children and families yearly with books that honor their heritage and traditions. Watch literacy rates accelerate in local communities.
  • $1500 monthly subscription - Economic Impact Investor: Fuel local economies by funding the printing and distribution of 9,000 books annually. Create jobs while spreading literacy.

Thank you for being a champion for children's literacy. Your contribution ensures that every child has the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.

The Reality of Illiteracy

  • 262 million children and adolescents are currently out of school
  • More than 617 million children around the world are not achieving basic literacy
  • UNESCO estimates that 750 million adults are illiterate, with two-thirds being women

These staggering facts remind us of the urgent need to bring the power of literacy to everyone. Your donation helps to create lasting change in the lives of those who need it the most.

The Power of Mother Tongue Literacy

  • Students who receive instruction in their home language alongside the dominant language demonstrate significantly better reading performance and overall academic achievement. (World Bank's Education Report, 2024)
  • Research shows that children receiving at least six years of mother tongue instruction are more likely to achieve basic literacy—69% compared to 41% among those primarily speaking non-native languages (UNESCO Language of Instruction Report, 2024).
  • Children taught in their mother tongue are 30% more likely to develop strong reading skills (UNESCO International Mother Language Day Report, 2024).mates that 750 million adults are illiterate, with two-thirds being women.
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Our work is supported by an amazing community of individuals who champion literacy and equality.

Impressed by the people, passion and impact of NABU.

—Rich Russo, Chief Creative Officer at Havas Adrenaline

The gift of reading broadens horizons, inspires curiosity, fuels wanderlust, and fills our hearts and minds with stories we could never imagine on our own, but so often help drive our own creativity.

—Agnes Fischer, Executive Group Director, Droga5/ Author of Eggs Unscrambled: Making Sense of Egg Freezing, Fertility and the Truth about Your Reproductive Years.

When I was a kid reading was THE escape for me. It expanded my world, gave me things to believe in, made who I am today. We need as many readers as we can get these days.

—David Baldwin, Writer/ Creative Director/ Author of The Belief Economy: How to Give a Damn, Stop Selling, and Create Buy-In.

Reading was such a large part of my childhood. Discovering new worlds in books was what made me want to be a writer. So grateful to Nabu.org for the work they're doing around the world. And very happy to be a part of it.

—Mary Ashton Burgh, Writer at Havas Worldwide

I am a writer. I am an ex-teacher. And I am totally inspired by what you guys are doing.

—Eric Bertuccio, Writer at Havas NY

Reformed journalist and lover of the written word. There is no frigate like a book, to take us lands away...

—Frank Connolly, Senior Editor, MindEdge Learning

Fast reader. Slow writer. Medium ukulele player. Deeply inspired by this initiative!

—Alla Gonopolsky, Freelance Writer and Brand Strategist

Enthusiastic reader. Even more enthusiastic writer. Former Copy Girl at Ogilvy and elsewhere. Currently author of 'Lutheranliar Looks at Life' (If Nora Ephron and Garrison Keillor had a Lovechild, it would be Lutheranliar.)

—Alice Whitmore, Author of Lutheranliar Looks at Life

I am inspired by anyone seeking to learn, improve their life or live to their full potential. And I help others do that with my coaching, speaking and writing. I focus particularly on those with learning disabilities, but my teaching and writing applies to pretty much anyone. I am also inspired by Deepak Chopra and Eckhart Tolle, who showed me the truth in Marcus Aurelius\'s quote that, 'The happiness of our life depends on the quality of our thoughts.'

—Alan Brown, Coach, Speaker, Writer at ADDCrusher.com

I'm honored to be part of such a transformational community that's bringing opportunity and education to the world.

—AnaLiza Alba, Freelance Creative Director/ Writer, Co-Founder of fibi&clo

This donation is in honor of my mom, who always had her nose in a book. I guess if I was really honest about it, it was her love of reading that ultimately taught me the power of words.

—Kurt Nossan, Group Creative Director, Havas Worldwide

Writing is more than creativity and communication. Writing is therapy that gets you into your own head. Writing is discovery and release. Writing is laughter and tears. I've been inspired by Ellison, Baldwin, Salinger, Oates, Cummings, Poe, Della Femina, Plath and many more.

—Ken Gilbert

Dedicated to all the great wordsmiths at Havas NY. And we love the effort and passion of Nabu.org.

—Havas NY, NY Office of Global Advertising Agency

I've made my living writing and working next to great writers. I love what Nabu.org is doing for literacy in the most impoverished communities in the world. They're changing the futures of kids around the world.

—Jerry Della Femina, Writer/ Author/ Columnist. AAF Advertising Hall of Fame Writer. Author of From Those Wonderful Folks Who Gave You Pearl Harbor & An Italian grows in Brooklyn. Owner and Columnist of The Independent

I love what NABU is doing. So smart. Keep it up.

—David Steinberg, Comedian/ Writer/ Director of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Author of The Book of David. Documentary, Quality Balls: The David Steinberg Story

Thanks to Rich Russo for telling me about this. And for the opportunity for authors to share our books with others, too!

—Kelly Simmons, Author of Standing Still; The Bird House; The Fifth of July; One More Day.

Without writing you cannot tell a story. Without storytelling, then brand marketing wouldn't exist. This dedication is hundreds of writers and storytellers over the years at Havas Formula who have built brand narratives for their clients.

—Michael Olguin, President of Havas Formula

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