Our Programmes
The Big Blue Book BusProviding literature to develop literacy
About the Initiative
Launched on 8 September 2025 in celebration of International Literacy Day, the Big Blue Book Bus is a transformative literacy initiative in partnership with FH Chamberlain. This vibrant blue bus has been converted into a fully functional mobile library, designed to bring the joy of reading directly to children who lack access to traditional library infrastructure.
Serving Underserved Schools
The Big Blue Book Bus currently supports four primary schools in the Northern Gauteng Region—schools that have no existing libraries or active reading spaces. By parking at these schools on a rotating schedule, the bus becomes a gateway to imagination, learning, and
opportunity.
Strategic Partnerships
To amplify its reach and impact, the initiative collaborates with:
- City of Tshwane Libraries
- City of Johannesburg Libraries
Together, they promote the value of public libraries and encourage lifelong reading habits among young learners.
Impact by the Numbers
By the end of 2026, the Big Blue Book Bus will have provided:
- 6,000 children with access to a diverse collection of fiction and non-fiction books
- Opportunities to develop creativity, critical thinking, and a love for reading
- Exposure to new worlds, ideas, and possibilities through literature
Empowering Through Literacy
A powerful quote once said: “If you want to hide something from a Black person, put it in a book.”
The Big Blue Book Bus turns this notion on its head. It places books directly into the hands of
Black children—empowering them to explore, question, and dream. This initiative is not just
about books; it’s about restoring access to knowledge, reclaiming narratives, and unlocking
futures.
Call to Action: Donate Indigenous Language Books
Help us build a richer, more inclusive library! We’re calling on individuals, publishers, and organisations to donate children’s books written in indigenous South African languages. These books will be shared with schools served by the Big Blue Book Bus, helping children connect with stories in their mother tongue and celebrate their cultural heritage. To donate, please contact us at thebigbluebookbus@projectliteracy.org.za and 069 874 8748
for more information.
Thank You to Our Donors
We extend our deepest gratitude to the generous organizations that helped us launch the Big Blue Book Bus with their book donations:
- Biblionef
- Starfish Greathearts Foundation
- National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT)
Your contributions have laid the foundation for a brighter, more literate future.opportunity.