We all know that learning to read is an important step in brain development and language acquisition. Whether it be a novel or a fashion magazine, reading of any kind helps us to understand the world we live in and learn how to function in everyday life.

Unfortunately, though, there are many countries in the world where learning to read is a luxury, reserved for only those with money. In fact, according to learntoread.org, more than 750 million people worldwide are illiterate—with two-thirds of those people being women and girls.

In an effort to transform education in low-income countries, learntoread.org has launched a program to create more accessible nonfiction books for kids in Tanzania and Zanzibar—two countries with very low literacy rates.

In this great article, learntoread.org tells a little bit about their Nonfiction Project, and explains why it is important for children to read more nonfiction books.