The Children’s Book Organisation for Tanzania (CBO), established in April 2017 and registered under the Non–Governmental Organization Act, 2002, is a central figure in advancing children’s literacy and nurturing a culture of reading in Tanzania. Inspired by the Children’s Book Project initiated in 1991 to mitigate the shortage of children’s books, particularly in Kiswahili, CBO extends its influence across the Tanzanian mainland from its headquarters in Dar es Salaam.

CBO is driven by core values of transparency and accountability, solidarity and partnership, non-discrimination, and a child-centric focus on education and rights. These principles guide the organization in its mission to cultivate a robust reading culture and support quality education, child rights, and child protection.

The organization’s objectives encompass advocating for sustainable children’s literacy, empowering teachers with effective teaching methodologies for reading and writing, and engaging in policy advocacy in the education sector, particularly concerning children’s book production and literacy. CBO also promotes research and publication in children’s literature.

Central to CBO’s activities is the development and dissemination of high-quality, culturally appropriate children’s books in Kiswahili and English. It plays a key role in fostering literacy within the formal education system, supporting indigenous authorship, and encouraging book marketing and illustration activities. CBO’s efforts extend to creating child-friendly classrooms in primary schools and preschools, particularly in underprivileged areas, and preparing manuals for accessible teaching aids.

Strategically positioned as a key stakeholder in children’s books, CBO complements government efforts in providing reading materials for children. This alignment underscores its broader aim of cultivating a strong reading culture and societal support for literacy in Tanzania. By focusing on inclusivity and equitable education, as highlighted in the Sustainable Development Goal 4, CBO advocates for the accessibility of reading materials to all children, influencing long-term educational outcomes and contributing to a more informed and literate future generation in Tanzania