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NABU’s multilingual web reader and mobile app

NABU’s multilingual web reader and mobile app

Reading

NABU’s multilingual web reader and mobile app
website

Last updated: September 17, 2025

Overview

Learning objectives

The NABU app aims to provide children with free access to high quality bilingual and culturally relevant story books in order to grow language comprehension skills and a love of reading.

Evidence of impact

STRONG

Cost structure

SUBSCRIPTION

Widely adopted in 5 countries

39 languages

Target audience: Educators and teachers, Institutional or administrative staff, Parents or guardians

Early Childhood Education, Primary Education

Works offline but connectivity for updates required

Smartphone, Tablet, Desktop/Laptop

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NABU
NABU
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NABU

The information presented is provided by the company, and reviewed in good faith. Learning Cabinet is not responsible for inaccurate content.

How this product was evaluated?

Product Details

Data protection and privacy

Privacy

  • Privacy Policy icon
    Privacy PolicyOpen info in a new page
  • Terms of Service icon
    Terms of ServiceOpen info in a new page
  • Product alerts users of significant changes to the privacy policy icon
    Product alerts users of significant changes to the privacy policy

Data Sharing

  • Product does not share data with third parties icon
    Product does not share data with third parties
  • Product does not show external advertisements icon
    Product does not show external advertisements

Data Origin

  • Product utilizes AI icon
    Product utilizes AI
  • AI has been trained using product datasets icon
    AI has been trained using product datasets

Information security

  • No cybersecurity program in place icon
    No cybersecurity program in place
  • Technical best practices in place icon
    Technical best practices in place
  • No threat detection in place icon
    No threat detection in place
  • No self-assessments conducted icon
    No self-assessments conducted
  • No third party assessments conducted icon
    No third party assessments conducted

Safeguards

  • Product does not allow interactions between users and users cannot create content icon
    Product does not allow interactions between users and users cannot create content
  • Product does not use AI to generate content icon
    Product does not use AI to generate content
Theory

NABU is based on constructivist and socio-cultural learning theories, providing children with accessible, culturally relevant, mother-tongue content. Through the Authentic Book Creation Lab and Bridge to Literacy Program, it fosters motivation, self-esteem, and literacy skills. Impact is measured via a clear Theory of Change, the 2023 Impact Study (showing gains in self-esteem and love of reading), research sprints on engagement, and stories from children, parents, and educators.

Strong evidence of impact

Impact 3/3

NABU’s multilingual web reader and mobile app shows a proven positive impact, backed by at least one experimental study that shows a statistically significant positive impact on the intended learning outcomes.

Different levels of research evidence indicate the reliability of the proof of positive impact. The solutions featured in the Learning Cabinet range from:

  • Strong: Backed by at least one experimental study that shows a statistically significant positive impact on the intended outcomes.
  • Moderate: Backed by at least one quasi-experimental study that shows a statistically significant positive impact on the intended outcomes.
  • Promising: Supported by correlational or pilot research that indicates positive or promising results on the intended outcomes.

Evidence
External Evidence
Impact Report

The NABU 2023 Impact Study found that sustained app users showed higher self-esteem (+0.21, p

Engagement
Icon representing engagement statistics

Recommended use

Early Childhood Education, Primary Education

Research shows that enjoying reading boosts literacy and self-efficacy, as more time spent reading leads to higher achievement. Just 10–15 minutes a day improves vocabulary and overall development. We recommend using the NABU app or web reader for at least 10–15 minutes daily.

Research shows that enjoying reading boosts literacy and self-efficacy, as more time spent reading leads to higher achievement. Just 10–15 minutes a day improves vocabulary and overall development. We recommend using the NABU app or web reader for at least 10–15 minutes daily.

Icon representing engagement statistics

Target audience

Students, Teachers
Wide
reach
0%
User growth rate
5
Countries

Learning Objectives

The NABU app aims to provide children with free access to high quality bilingual and culturally relevant story books in order to grow language comprehension skills and a love of reading.

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Curriculum

  • Global curricular frameworks
  • Adaptable to different curriculums

Information about curriculum

Pedagogical design

NABU designs digital experiences grounded in Cognitive Learning Theory, Sociocultural Learning Theory, and the Science of Reading. We integrate these by offering culturally relevant stories that build on prior knowledge, audio-supported texts to strengthen comprehension, and short quizzes to reinforce vocabulary, inference, and fluency. This approach increases engagement, supports background knowledge, and promotes effective reading development through meaningful, accessible practice.

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Additional Details
Flexibility
The product allows learner agency (e.g. it provides flexibility for the learner or teacher to make choices, take actions, or influence their learning outcomes and experiences).
Learner engagement
The product has elements that raises the level of affection in learner (e.g. pedagogically meaningful narrative, characters, etc.).
Creativity
Reading Comprehension Questions
Collaboration
Learner-to-learner interaction
Learner-to-instructor interaction
Learner-parents interaction

User Experience

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User interface

NABU is committed to providing an intuitive and user-friendly interface so children, parents, and educators can easily navigate and engage with our digital library.

Here are some ways we ensure an intuitive user interface and examples of improvements over time:

  • User-Centered Design
    • Regular user testing and feedback with children, parents, and teachers.
    • Insights guide design choices to ensure ease of use and relevance.
  • Simplified Navigation
    • Clean, simple menus and intuitive icons.
    • Category-based browsing lets users filter by age, language, and genre.
  • Interactive Elements
    • “Read Aloud” feature supports pronunciation and comprehension.
    • Engaging features enhance the reading experience for children.
  • Responsive Design
    • Optimized for smartphones, tablets, and computers.
    • Adapts seamlessly to different devices and screen sizes.
  • User Onboarding
    • Streamlined registration and clear instructions.
    • Web version requires no registration, removing barriers to entry.
  • Offline Access
    • Storybooks can be downloaded for offline reading.
    • Ensures accessibility in low-bandwidth areas.
  • Continuous Improvement
    • Feedback via surveys, focus groups, and in-app tools.
    • Example: added a “Home” button on every page after users reported navigation difficulties.
Open Product Screenshots
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Data-driven product development

NABU leverages a data-driven approach to continuously enhance our product and improve learning outcomes. We collect and analyze data to understand how our digital library impacts literacy development and use these insights for product improvements.

Here’s how we use evidence and data insights to inform enhancements:

  • Data Collection Channels
    • App and Web Analytics: Track user interactions (time spent reading, books completed, engagement levels).
    • Manual Data Collection: Country Managers and partners gather data during community reading programs.
  • Analyzing User Engagement
    • Reading Frequency & Duration: Higher frequency/longer sessions indicate stronger reading habits.
    • Completion Rates: Identify books/features with high engagement to replicate success.
  • Feedback Mechanisms
    • User Surveys & Focus Groups: Collect qualitative feedback from children, parents, and teachers.
    • Educational Assessments: Testing comprehension checks with teachers/caregivers before adding as interactive features.
  • Evidence-Based Improvements
    • Content Development: Data/feedback guide new story themes, characters, and culturally relevant content.
    • Feature Updates: Engagement trends (e.g., read-aloud usage) drive feature expansion (languages, voices).
  • Partnerships and Pilot Programs
    • Collaborative Research: Work with educational institutions and organizations to study platform impact.
    • Pilot Programs: Test new features (e.g., audio narration, comprehension tools) in communities before wider rollout.
  • Iterative Development
    • Continuous Improvement Cycle: Regularly review data insights and integrate them into the product roadmap.

By systematically collecting and analyzing data, NABU ensures enhancements are evidence-based and directly improve literacy outcomes for children.

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Geographic focus

NABU’s product was developed with a particular focus on regions with historically low literacy rates and limited access to educational resources. Our primary geographical focus includes: 

  • Region: Sub-Saharan Africa 
    • Countries: Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast 
    • Focus: These countries were chosen due to their significant need for mother-tongue educational materials and the opportunity to impact large populations of children who are at risk of falling behind in literacy development. We aim to address the disparities in educational resources and provide culturally relevant content that resonates with children in these regions. 
  • Region: Caribbean 
    • Country: Haiti 
    • Focus: Haiti is another key focus area due to its unique linguistic landscape and the scarcity of high-quality, engaging storybooks in Haitian Creole and French. By providing bilingual content, we support children’s language development and literacy skills in their mother tongue and an additional language. 
  • Region: Southeast Asia 
    • Country: The Philippines 
    • Focus: In the Philippines, we focus on providing access to educational content in Filipino and other local languages. The goal is to support early literacy in a diverse linguistic environment and ensure that children have access to culturally relevant and engaging reading materials. 
  • Region: Eastern Europe 
    • Country: Romania 
    • Focus: Romania was selected to address literacy challenges in a European context, focusing on children who may lack access to engaging educational resources in Romanian. By providing culturally tailored content, we aim to enhance literacy outcomes and foster a love of reading.
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Ensuring content quality
Expert Review: Content is reviewed by subject matter experts.
Educational Standards Alignment: Content aligns with educational standards.
User Feedback Incorporation: Regular updates are informed by user feedback.
Evidence-Based Content: Content creation is based on current educational research.
Quality Assurance Processes: Implementation of rigorous quality control measures.
Editorial Oversight: Editorial teams oversee content development and accuracy.
Licensing and Accreditation: Use of licensed and accredited content sources.
Language Accuracy: Content undergoes professional linguistic and grammar checks.
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Supervision and communications
This product is primarily designed for classroom setting
The product includes communications capabilities.

Infrastructure

  • Device compatibility
    Smartphone, Tablet, Desktop/Laptop
  • Designed for low-cost devices
    Yes
  • Environment
    Web-Based (Accessible via a web browser without requiring installation on a device), Device Installable (Requires installation on a device to be used, i.e. a mobile or desktop app)
  • Offline availability
    Works offline but connectivity for updates required
  • Integration with 3rd party
    Education/Learning Data tools, Single Sign-On or other secure login tools, User data/metrics platforms

Support

  • Training materials
    Community forum, Live training
  • Training material languages
    Acholi, AfrikaansBemba, Bicolano, Cebuano, , Dari, Dholuo, English, French, Haitian, Hiligaynon, Igbo, , isiXhosa, isiZulu, Kamba, Kikuyu, Kinyarwanda, Luganda, Ndebele, Pashto, Romanian, Runyankore, Setswana, , Tagalog, Ukranian,
  • Training material target users
    Educators and teachers, Institutional or administrative staff, Parents or guardians
  • Technical support

    Image for Technical support 1
    Email Support

    Image for Technical support 3
    Phone Support / Online Meetings

    Image for Technical support 5
    Community Support

Local Adaptability

  • Curriculum / educational content can be customized
    Yes
  • Visual / audiovisual content can be customized
    Yes
  • Content can be customized
    Yes
  • Current languages
    Acholi, Afrikaans, Anindilyakwa, Arabic, Bemba, Bicolano, Cebuano, Dari, Dholuo, English, French, Haitian, Hausa, Hiligaynon, Igbo, Ilkolano, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Kamba, Kikuyu, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, Luganda, Lusoga, Ma'A, Maranao, Ndebele, Pashto, Romani, Romanian, Runyankore, Setswana, Somali, Tagalog, Tibetan, Ukranian, Welsh, Wolof, Yoruba
  • Possibility to translate the product to new language
    Yes
  • Current writing systems
    Arabic, Chinese, Indic Scripts, Latin Alphabet
  • Licensing information
    • The solution is proprietary
  • Is the product a Digital Public Good (DPG)
    No

Data import/export

  • Export data capability
  • Exportable data types
    User data, Product usage data, User performance and progress, Usage statistics
  • Import data capability
    Educational content
  • Automation
    Individual upload/onboarding, Classroom or school level upload by administrator
Affordability

Affordability Card

Business model icon
Business model
  • Business to Consumer (B2C)
Pricing model icon
Pricing model
  • Freemium/Premium
Pricing tiers icon
Pricing tiers
    Convocation hat icon

    Pricing available per request

      Ask for details
      Email icon

      Pricing Strategy

      NABU is entirely free for all users, aligning with our mission to provide every child access to culturally relevant storybooks and improve their literacy skills without financial barriers. We achieve this through a sustainable funding model that relies on grants, donations, and partnerships with philanthropic organizations, governments, and corporate sponsors. Our strategic partnerships with educational institutions, NGOs, and community organizations support our initiatives and ensure the platform's sustainability. By leveraging cost-effective, low-bandwidth technology and scalable digital solutions, we maintain and expand our services while keeping them free. Our community-centric approach involves training and employing local authors and illustrators, ensuring culturally relevant content and supporting local economies. We also use data-driven decisions to demonstrate our platform's impact, securing ongoing financial support and maximizing accessibility and educational impact.

      Organisation and Operations

      Organization Details

      Developed in
      United States
      Type of organization
      Non-profit, Philanthropic organization
      Stage of organization
      Growth Phase
      (since 2014)
      Number of employees
      10-25
      Developed in
      United States
      Type of organization
      Non-profit, Philanthropic organization
      Stage of organization
      Growth Phase
      (since 2014)
      Number of employees
      10-25
      Developed in
      United States
      Type of organization
      Non-profit, Philanthropic organization
      Stage of organization
      Growth Phase
      (since 2014)
      Number of employees
      10-25
      Convocation hat icon

      Experience with large projects

      • Open link iconNationwide government projects
      • Open link iconLocal government projects
      • Open link iconPartnership models with national institutions

      Large implementation example

      NABU has successfully scaled across 11 different countries, training over 1,000 artists and creatives and developing not only a pedagogical blueprint but also a highly successful creative fellowship program that produces original content tailored for each new market we enter. 

      Our content creation success has led us to collaborate on major projects with prominent organizations such as World Vision in Rwanda, Save the Children in Kenya, UNHCR globally, WhatsApp in Nigeria, and HP globally. These partnerships have significantly expanded our reach, helping us deliver culturally relevant and engaging literacy materials to over 14 million children worldwide.

      Through these large-scale projects, NABU has established itself as a key player in global literacy initiatives, providing invaluable resources to historically excluded children and fostering a love of reading across diverse communities.

      Accessibility of Design

      Users with disability have been taken into account in the design of the product.
      Success iconNABU’s multilingual web reader and mobile app does not fulfil the WCAG 2.1 level AA requirements
      Tool tested with:
      successExpert validation (using free NVDA screen reader)

      Equity of access & Gender

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      Product usage between genders
      NABU ensures gender inclusivity through several key strategies. NABU was founded by a powerhous trio of women who set the organization us for success. Our leadership and organization is 80% female. We also ensur ethat our Creative team, through the creative fellowship is 50% women. Recognizing the disproportionate impact of illiteracy on girls in marginalized communities, NABU has developed a gender-centric collection and project, including the Girl Empowerment collection in partnership with Girl Rising. This collection features strong female protagonists and aims to inspire and empower young girls by showcasing positive role models who defy gender stereotypes. Furthermore, our content creation process actively involves female creatives, addressing the gender imbalance in the publishing industry. By highlighting themes of leadership, confidence, and resilience, our stories challenge traditional gender roles and promote gender equality.

      Get in touch with the organization

      Contact Person picture
      Maximiliano Pin
      Diagram explaining the EdTech for Good Framework

      Expert Review of NABU’s multilingual web reader and mobile app

      Evaluated using the Learning Cabinet’s rigorous EdTech for Good Framework to ensure safety, learning impact, scalability, and inclusion for all learners.

      EdTech for Good Framework

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