Press Releases

March 13, 2008. Lusaka.

U.S. Embassy Promotes Child Literacy Through Reading Program

LUSAKA – The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy on March 13, 2008 engaged over 40 pupils from three schools in commemorating the birthday of Dr. Suess, a celebrated American writer and cartoonist best known for his classic children's books.

The program kicked off a month-long program where the U.S. Embassy will visit 20 area schools to introduce students to Dr. Seuss, donate Seuss books and to talk about the importance of reading.  “We want to promote the idea that reading can be—should be—fun,” said Public Affairs Officer Christopher Wurst.  “Once children decide that reading is fun, they are headed in the right direction.”

Public Diplomacy Officer, Keisha Lafayette, said that the U.S. believes in combating illiteracy and would like to share this value with other countries through the provision of education and other necessary skills

Zambia’s literacy rate has risen from 68% in 2004 (World Bank, 2004) to 80.6% among people with 15 years and above.  It has been noted that much more needs to be done to improve child literacy for age 14 and below.

Until his death in 1991, Dr. Suess, whose real name is Theodor Seuss Geisel, wrote and illustrated 44 children's books. Many of his books have been adapted into short animated programs. His books The Cat in the Hat, The Grinch and Horton Hears a Who! have been adapted into feature films.

Dr. Seuss’s birthday, which falls in March, is commemorated every year with a lot of activities based on promoting child literacy. 

Participating children and teachers from Lusaka High School, Southend School and Chibolya Basic School were presented with books at the end of the program.
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