International Education

Each child deserves serves the opportunity to learn. Learners around the world benefit from Benetech’s support for reading barriers. As a result of this growing global library network, Benetech is not only increasing access to information, but is also expanding its bookshare national partnerships, memberships, and local language interfaces in Africa and South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Kenya.

SEE OUR INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITIES

We Need Your Help to Break Down Education Barriers

The number of children with disabilities kept out of school in the world is disproportionately high. If students do attend school, they may not receive adequate instruction, they may be ignored by the teacher, or they may have to complete their education earlier in comparison to their peers. The materials for subjects such as math and chemistry may not be available in an accessible format, so they may be compelled to pursue only certain lines of study.

Bringing Local Content to the Global Stage

Access to high-interest content in local languages is a cornerstone of our international programming. Local publishers, education departments, and volunteers help us add educational and culturally-relevant titles to Bookshare so that students have access to the books they need. Using virtually any device, including smartphones, laptops, and low-cost MP3 players, Bookshare books can be read on or offline.

Program Spotlight: India's Education to Employment Continuum

As part of its digital-first education initiative, Benetech is partnering with schools for the blind in India. Students will graduate with access to Bookshare and training on screen reader technology, allowing them to pursue higher education, obtain skilled employment, and live happy, independent lives when they graduate.

Program Spotlight: Bookshare Saint Lucia

In partnership with the Saint Lucia Department of Sustainable Development and Department of Education, Benetech is creating a digital library that will be used by students and teachers across the island. In addition to 600,000+ books available to readers in St. Lucia through Bookshare’s global collection, this localized library of accessible content will hold key education materials from the Saint Lucia curriculum.

Program Spotlight: Philippines "Bookshare Corners"!

In the Philippines, access to reliable and affordable internet can be difficult. The Bookshare Philippines team collaborates with libraries and schools to set up “Bookshare Corners”. Philippine readers with reading barriers can enroll in Bookshare, or download their favorite books to a device for offline reading at home using these designated computers.

Bringing Learning to Life with Bookshare

Bookshare, Benetech’s accessible ebook service, and the education-to-employment digital readiness programs have changed the equation for those with disabilities that impede their ability to read print, such as dyslexia, low vision, and some mobility impairments. Benetech partners with nonprofit organizations, disabled person organizations, ministries of education, and private foundations to provide students with disabilities with the resources and training they require to obtain a quality education.

Let's learn more about Bookshare!

We are grateful for the support of our international funders