At HP, we believe that literacy is a fundamental human right and a key factor in closing the digital divide. That's why we're thrilled to collaborate with NABU, a nonprofit organization that focuses on increasing access to literacy resources for children around the world, especially in their mother tongue languages.
 
NABU's innovative approach involves working with local authors and illustrators to create original stories in various mother tongue languages, creating a digital library of culturally relevant, engaging, and age-appropriate books for young readers. Earlier this year, a NABU HP Creative Lab opened in Miami, aimed at creating mother-tongue books for the local Haitian community — Haitian Creole is the third most commonly spoken language in the state of Florida. The lab features HP technology including touchscreen laptops, stylus pens, and other devices that help authors and illustrators bring their creative visions to life. The initiative is the second of its kind from NABU and HP; the first lab opened in Kigali, Rwanda, last year, and a third is planned to launch in the Philippines later in 2023. With HP's support, NABU is scaling up their efforts to reach even more children in need, making strides towards bridging the digital divide and improving human rights.
 
The importance of mother tongue education cannot be overstated. Studies have shown that children learn to read more quickly and effectively when taught in their native language. Yet, many children in low-income countries and communities lack access to books in their mother tongue, putting them at a significant disadvantage. By addressing this gap, NABU and HP are empowering young minds and fostering a lifelong love of learning.
 
HP's partnership with NABU aligns with our commitment to advancing digital equity and human rights around the globe. By providing digital access to engaging, culturally relevant content, we're helping to create a more inclusive and equitable world for all. And by supporting NABU's mission, we're taking concrete steps towards closing the digital divide, ultimately contributing to a brighter future for millions of children.
 
In a world where technology is constantly evolving, it's more important than ever to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed. By working together with NABU, HP is playing a vital role in making that dream a reality. We're proud to be part of this transformative collaboration, helping to empower children, bridge the digital divide, and promote human rights through the power of language and literacy.
 
This summary was taken from a Garage by HP article originally published on February 1, 2023. Read the full article here: https://garage.hp.com/us/en/impact/nabu-mother-tongue-books-bridge-literacy-gap.html