PBS NEWSHOUR | Literacy Bridge Uses Talking Books to Spread the Word in Ghana

Students in Ghana listening to a Talking Book | Photo Courtesy of Literacy Bridge.

In 2007, at the age of 36, Schmidt launched the nonprofit Literacy Bridge, and with the help of a team of technical, engineering, and financial supporters, he developed the Talking Book. It’s a handheld, battery powered, audio playback and recording device — basically a mini computer — which is engineered to withstand harsh environments.

Users follow simple audio prompts to listen to recorded messages from local experts on agricultural and health topics. Information is recorded in native dialects. Users, with no prior experience using technology, also can record their own messages on the device and connect two Talking Books together to transfer recordings. The target user: individuals with minimal or no literacy skills, living in rural areas without electricity or Internet access.