Why Reading
It is proven that people with less financial capital are less likely to get access to high quality education.
Persistence of the current economic climate might lead to further losses in Armenia’s human capital: 35% of Armenia’s school students at late primary school are unable to read and understand a short, age-appropriate text by age 10 [World Bank]
Socio-economic inequality creates a situation when people with cultural and economic capital are getting richer, and those who do not have access to the capital are getting poorer.
If the situation persists there will be a huge loss of human capital
BUT IS EVERYTHING SO HOPELESS?
Multiple research studies have found that there is an effective and affordable tool to reduce inequality in education and improve access to it–– book & reading.
This is how books influence on individuals and
educational system:
Books: Inspiration for Personal Development
Being surrounded by books is proven to become the inspiration for continuous development of children and the basis for improving student performance, despite the economic and cultural differences of families1. Children’s books have 50% more rare words in them than does adult prime-time television and adult conversation 2.
Reading: Fundament for Personal Success
Reading positively affects academic success at school and university3 and leads to higher earnings in later life4. Reading develops emotional intelligence5, vocabulary and expression of thoughts in both oral and written speech6. Researchers have demonstrated that reading can reduce stress by 68%7.
Reading literacy: Basis of Educational System Success
Reading literacy is the process whereby readers have literary experience, read book on a regular basis, enjoy reading, gain useful knowledge of the world around them, and are thoughtful about what they read 8. Reading literacy is highlighted as one of the main criteria for the success of the country's educational system in research of OECD PISA9 and as one of the main components of basic literacy in research at the TIMSS & PIRLS International Learning Center, in reports of the 21st Century Skills World Economic Forum10.
Zartnir covers all stages of reading’s influence and leads to the success of the educational system of Armenia and therefore maximizes return on investment in an NGO
LEVEL OF INFLUENCE
THREE STAGES
DESCRIPTION
ZARTNIR COVERAGE
Books: Inspiration for Personal Development
Being surrounded by books is proven to become the inspiration for continuous development of children despite the economic and cultural differences of families
Reading: Fundament for Personal Success
Reading positively affects academic success and earnings in later life. Reading develops emotional intelligence, vocabulary and expression of thoughts in both oral and written speech
Most organizations’ scope
Reading literacy: Basis of Educational System Success
Reading literacy* is highlighted as one of the main criteria for the success of the country's educational system
* Reading literacy is the process whereby a person reads books on a regular basis, enjoy reading, gain knowledge and are thoughtful about what they read.
How we do it?
THREE STAGES
DESCRIPTION
ZARTNIR ACTIONS IN DETAILS
Books: Inspiration for Personal Development
Purchase great new books in Armenian
- • Purchase of books in Armenia in Armenian language
- • Transportation of books to schools
- • Teacher provides each student with a book
- • Most kids and their families receive first books in life
Reading: Fundament for Personal Success
Provide books to students to read
- • Students read great books which most of their families cannot afford to purchase
- • In average, Zartnir students read 5-6 books per year
- • They awaken love towards books and engage their friends in reading
Reading literacy: Basis of Educational System Success
Run weekly interactive classes to discuss books
- • Cooperate with inspiring teachers for at least a year
- • Teachers organize weekly interactive classes
- • Teachers fully engage students into discussions
- • After books are read students write essays and debate about the book