The project organisers say in the first phase of the project, more than 10 000 very young children from disadvantaged backgrounds in rural and urban areas in four provinces of the country were reached. The project works in partnership with public libraries, clinics, pre-schools, and crèches, which distribute the First Words in Print literature and give most children their first access to books.

"These partners play a vital role in exposing parents and other caregivers to the importance, and ways, of sharing books with their children. A video and pamphlet are used as a basis for raising awareness around these issues. The video and pamphlet are available in a number of languages and can be purchased directly from First Words in Print at the Centre for the Book at a cost of R45 (including postage)."

In the first phase each child received a set of four 16-page books in their home language:

The project also promotes the books through a wide network of reading and book clubs, libraries and literacy projects, local and international publications, so that the books have the potential to reach children and communities over and above those directly involved in the project. The project organisers say in the second phase of the project a further 12 500 children received copies of the four books. According to the organisers, "a new set of four books will also be developed in partnership with South African publishers."

Children, Education

First Words in Print aims to promote a culture of reading amongst children and their caregivers and contribute towards the development of children's literacy. The project provides children with a shared South African literary heritage and contribute towards nation-building. All First Words in Print books are written, illustrated and published by South Africans. The project strives to create a safe environment for writers, illustrators and publishers to experiment with the early childhood end of the market.

The project's aim is to ensure that enough books reach each of the children involved in the project to enable them, and their families, to have a substantial book collection at home and thereby to sustain their initial enthusiasm for reading. In 2004, the Centre for the Book and SAPPI are running a competition for new stories for children. SAPPI will sponsor prizes for three winning stories, and also sponsor production of the English editions of these stories. First Words in Print plans to add these stories to the pool of books it distributes to the regions where it is active.