Empowering the Underserved: Talking Book Trial Aims to Educate Ghana’s Poorest Communities

In an endeavor to bridge the information gap amongst the most impoverished communities in Ghana, hundreds of handheld audio computers, dubbed ‘Talking Books’, are set to be distributed. These innovative devices could be key in disseminating potentially life-saving information amongst areas deprived of traditional communication infrastructure.

The Talking Books will empower families by not only allowing them to play informative audio files but also offering a platform where users can create their own recordings. These recordings can be shared across the community or used to give feedback, creating a two-way channel of communication where silence often reigns.

Promisingly, the plan, organized by Literacy Bridge in collaboration with Unicef and British computer chip designer ARM, extends far beyond basic education. Organisers envisage these devices will cover critical topics such as the dangers of Ebola, managing diseased crops, the significance of breastfeeding, and a plethora of other essential subjects, effectively becoming a lifeline of knowledge for recipients.

Hopes are high for these trials, and if successful, plans are in place to expand the initiative. Spearheading the project are child-focused charity Unicef and computer chip designer ARM, generously funding the majority of the $750,000 (£477,850) scheme over the course of two-and-a-half years with an aim to reach a staggering 40,000 people with just 2,000 of these groundbreaking devices.

Although Talking Books lack a screen, they are exceptionally user-friendly and are specifically designed for individuals who may not be able to read. The device communicates in the local language and dialect, guiding the user by prompting button pressing based on the individual’s specific interests.

“It speaks to you in your local language and local dialect, and prompts you to press a button based on what your interests are,” Cliff Schmidt, the organization’s executive director explained, “The message might be a song, a story, a drama, an interview with a public health officer or a peer in your own community.”

Adding an interactive element, every device is equipped with a microphone, allowing users to respond to the information they receive. This interactive feature creates a feedback loop, where users can clarify any misunderstood points or express concerns relevant to their communities, further encouraging engagement.

Since 2007, Literacy Bridge has been refining its technology and has carried out smaller-scale tests. The Talking Book project presents an astounding shift in how vital information can reach the most inaccessible areas and empowers individuals in these communities to have their voices heard.

This article was updated in 2025 to reflect modern realities.