Low literacy levels in Africa are part-and-parcel of everyday life, and seriously reduce the effectiveness of health care literature. In association with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, Books of Hope has designed and produced interactive, multilingual Speaking Books that can be seen, read, heard and understood regardless of someone's reading ability.
Each Speaking Book consists of 16 pages of culturally appropriate illustrations supported by straightforward and easy to understand text in a variety of languages. Every page has a corresponding push button that triggers a sound track read by a well-known local personality. So whatever a reader's level of literacy, the information will be clearly understood. Topics include HIV and AIDS, TB, Malaria, Suicide Prevention and Diabetes. Speaking Books are distributed to rural and disadvantaged communities worldwide.
This is a major breakthrough in presenting complex health issues in countries where low literacy levels are prevalent, giving everyone access to vital health care information. Of course the concept of a Speaking Book can be applied just as successfully to a wide range of needs, from educating children to providing instruction manuals for products or services.
Website: www.booksofhope.com
Contact: bjusa@hargray.com
Coming from a student teacher who is interested in overseas teaching of literacy, i think this is a wonderful idea. Targeting the many illiterate people in Africa, the idea is transforming the way we are communicating to them - at their level.
I hope that it can reach the multitude of middle eastern and south american populations as I've travelled to the Middle East and taught health education, and they don't know much about the many risks.
Good luck!
Really impressive idea however it takes eons to download their homepage. I finally gave up. Fast, smart and simpe is much better if you want to catch folks on the run anymore.
this books are definitely helpful to creating some awareness to iliterate people.it's really good idea to motivate people in health education.
www.karaditales.com