KPMG launches Family for Literacy initiative in two Nigerian schools

KPMG’s Family for Literacy (KFFL) – the Big Four firm’s corporate social responsibility initiative – has officially launched operations in Nigeria. The initiative involves the donation of books and some personal, interactive teaching, and was launched through a two-day programme at two schools in the country.

Launched in 2008, KFFL is an educational initiative revolving around the ethos that literacy is paramount for the welfare of an individual, society and the overall economy. The programme hopes to promote literacy by distributing books in under-priveleged societies where there is a lack of access to literature.

KFFL differentiates itself through the involvement of not just its employees, but of spouses, children and alumnus, in an effort to demonstrate its commitment to the cause. The initiative is active in over a hundred communities in the United States, and has ventured into a number of markets such as the UK, India, Mexico, South Africa, Zambia, Kenya and a number of others. 

Now, the firm has planted the first seeds of its KFFL programme in Nigeria, which has the biggest population across Africa.Reports last year revealed that the country has the largest GDP on the continent as well. Nevertheless, the country is still very much in its developing stages, which is evident from its adult literacy rate that stands at around 60%.

The economy has tremendous potential, which KPMG is looking to nurture through KFFL. The programme was carried out in two schools – St. Jude’s Nursery, a primary school in the Oyingbo district of Lagos, and Saint Mary Convent & Girls School, also situated in Lagos.

The programme took place over two days, kick-started by the donation of more than 6,000 books to both the schools, including basic Mathematics and English grammar books as well as a variety of story-books. KFFL operates in line with the UN’s second Millennium Development Goal of universal education, and includes reading sessions for students conducted by KPMG staff and their families. 

Addressing the pupils at the launch, Michael Hastings, Global Head of Citizenship for KPMG International said, “The books we are going to give today are yours; they are our gifts to you. We want you to keep them and read them over and over again with your friends and family so you can keep your mind rich.”

While KPMG works to tackle education on the continent, fellow consulting firm McKinsey & Company has been working to develop skills in the region to ensure maximum productivity and wider contribution to economic development.