This project will work to:

• stimulate viewers to develop a habit of reading for pleasure.
• publicise availability of books of various genres so that the public might appreciate the value of books.
• encourage an exchange of ideas on reading experiences.
• encourage the setting up of community-supported and community-based libraries and book reading clubs.
• support the teaching of literature in a broad sense.

At the centre of the project is a television programme focussed on how to spend leisure time by reading. It will be conducted in a magazine format with a live audience in the studio; its 3 segments will include:

• "Story Time" The presenter will introduce the programme and the book for the day from among the list of titles that has been generated and introduced to viewers (who read them in advance). He will provide background on the book, facilitate a discussion, and take people through portions of the book. For instance, he will summarise contents of this book, highlighting interesting aspects and reading selected portions of the books. This segment will also features chats with different people on the street; prominent people may be interviewed. The people will be asked questions like: Did you read a book this week? What did you discover? Where did you buy the book?
• "Sharing Moment": Personalities from different fields will discuss their reading life and how it has been of help in their career or life.
• "Top Ten books" and "Developments in the Book Industry": Bookshops will give an update of which books have had the highest sell. They will discuss new releases - both Zambian and foreign publications. Each bookstore is encouraged to provide details about the kinds of books they carry for different segments of the population, such as children, women, and sick people.

At the end of the programme, a quiz will be conducted on the book read on the programme. Questions will focus on the book's title, author, and subject matter. Bookstores and other partners will be asked to donate books for prizes and to take care of postage. The purpose of this element of the programme is to encourage participation and to seek feedback on the programme.

The programme also focusses on making reading an interactive, group process. For example, a presentation might be offered on how to use books for group discussion, followed by a television interactive discussion. A dialogue with different viewers might focus on what books they have read and what they find attractive and useful. An interview might explore how the community can pool resources - by contributing "unwanted" books from their personal libraries to create community libraries. Other segments discuss how to start community reading clubs or book exchanges. A dialogue might be offered on the state of literature teaching in schools, with feedback from viewers. Finally, organisers might arrange for business communities to participate in relation to reading promotion and career development.

Education/Reading.

The project was stimulated by growing concern expressed by various stakeholders that reading habits in Zambia are rapidly falling and that most Zambians, ranging from schoolgoing children to adults, do not read for pleasure.

Please note: as of September 2004, this programme has not yet been implemented due to a lack of funding.