About Taarifa Readers and Storytellers

Taarifa is Swahili for "message," our mission is to increase the importance of early literacy awareness among families  caring for children birth-eight years old. 

Research shows that 50% of children in under-resourced neighborhoods start first grade up to two years behind in language and literacy development compared to their peers in high-income communities. 

Beyond literacy, we champion representation. In addition to our advocacy work, Taarifa Readers & Storytellers proudly promotes BIPOC authors and illustrators. We believe that when children see themselves reflected in the stories they read, they develop a deeper sense of belonging and connection to the world around them.