Why Culturally Relevant Stories Matter for Literacy
One of the most powerful moments in a Luminos classroom is when a child sees themself in a story – through a familiar name, cherished folk tale, or setting that mirrors their own community. These moments spark joy and connection, helping children develop a strong sense of identity while reinforcing the important role of children’s books in fostering literacy, curiosity, and confidence.
For many of our students, formal school culture can feel unfamiliar or even intimidating. Differences in language and behavior can make them feel like their home life and culture are less valuable. At Luminos, we reject this notion. Instead, we create joyful classrooms where all children feel valued and accepted for who they are.
To learn more about how we value students’ cultures, see the Identity & Self-Belief element of the Luminos Method!
Research shows that incorporating culturally relevant teaching improves students’ engagement and academic performance. That’s why we use locally created reading materials, along with traditional games and songs, to make lessons more familiar and accessible for children.
In Liberia, we incorporate storybooks developed by a local nonprofit Liberia Reads, featuring familiar names and contexts. In Ethiopia, teachers gather folk tales from the community and integrate them into literacy lessons.
“For out-of-school children, engaging with stories that reflect their own cultures and experiences fosters a sense of belonging, affirms their identities, and enhances their engagement in learning, leading to improved comprehension skills and a deeper love of reading.”
Neha Raheel, Luminos Director of Teaching and Learning
Luminos’ Teaching and Learning team consists of literacy experts dedicated to developing high-quality instructional materials, grounded in the latest evidence from the science of reading. Storybooks not only build literacy skills, but also help students connect with their cultures and experiences. One example from The Gambia has made a particularly meaningful impact:
Awa and the Lost Money
Awa is a young girl who is passionate about football (soccer). She dreams of owning her own football, but her family cannot afford one. One day, she discovers a 100 dalasi note (about $1.50 USD) under a bush. Despite the temptation to keep it, Awa chooses to do the right thing and returns it to its rightful owner, Mr. Ceesay. Impressed by her honesty, he rewards her with the full amount. Overjoyed, Awa buys her dream football and practices every day.
“For children who have faced barriers to education, culturally relevant stories make school feel welcoming and familiar. Seeing themselves in a book reassures them that their voices and experiences matter.”
Awa Minteh, Luminos Country Manager, The Gambia
A page from “Awa and the Lost Money,” a storybook used in our program in The Gambia. It follows Awa, a young girl who dreams of buying a football.
A page from “Awa and the Lost Money,” a storybook used in our program in The Gambia. It follows Awa, a young girl who dreams of buying a football.
A page from “Awa and the Lost Money,” a storybook used in our program in The Gambia. It follows Awa, a young girl who dreams of buying a football.
A page from “Awa and the Lost Money,” a storybook used in our program in The Gambia. It follows Awa, a young girl who dreams of buying a football.
A page from “Awa and the Lost Money,” a storybook used in our program in The Gambia. It follows Awa, a young girl who dreams of buying a football.
Why Stories Like Awa’s Matter
Cultural Relevance and Connection: The story features familiar elements for Luminos children in The Gambia, including local names, currency, and a village setting. This helps students see themselves in the story, making reading more meaningful.
Luminos Country Manager, Awa Minteh, helping students as they practice reading. (Photo: Lena Nian for the Luminos Fund)
Character Development and Values: Awa’s decision to return the money reinforces important values like honesty and responsibility, helping children reflect on their choices.
Challenging Gender Norms: Awa’s passion for football empowers girls to imagine themselves in new roles and encourages all children to see reading as a way to explore their dreams. Importantly, many of our storybooks feature girls participating in activities traditionally associated with boys, helping to normalize gender equality and challenge stereotypes.
“Representation in children’s books shape how children see themselves and their potential. In many communities in The Gambia, girls are often expected to follow traditional roles. Characters like Awa help open minds to new possibilities.”
Awa Minteh, Luminos Country Manager, The Gambia
On International Children’s Book Day, Luminos celebrates the transformative power of culturally relevant storybooks to build children’s literacy skills, self-confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
