What is "Information Poverty" and How Does Reading Help?

Many in Uganda lack access to books; in fact, most Hope Alive! students have never personally owned a book. Even the few who have access to books are not convinced they need to read. 

A few reasons our students gave us for why they don’t read are:

• They don't understand the vocabulary used in the books.

• They don't have the time. 

• They don't have regular access to books. 

We sought to debunk these reasons.

• How do you improve your vocabulary? By reading.

• You don’t have time for reading, but you have time for social media?

• We are raising funds so that every one of our students can not only have access to but also own three books to read anytime. 

Access to books can help combat information poverty, which is prevalent in the areas we serve in Uganda. We’ve seen too many times how a person’s inability to discern true information from false information has led them to be taken advantage of. Reading provides more data points, allows for new perspectives, and develops critical thinking. 

We’ve also noticed that as our students get older, they desire to connect with the world around them, but when they have the chance to network, they lack confidence. Exposure to different worlds inside of books helps them better connect with other people from different backgrounds. 

Voluntary reading is rare, but it is very valuable. Will you provide this cherished opportunity to our students? For every $30 given, we can supply a student with a backpack and three age-appropriate books. At each site’s Christmas party, students will choose three books to put into their new, locally-made backpack.