South African PRAESA awarded 2015 Astrid Lindgren Prize for promoting children’s reading

HELSINKI – The South African alternative education project PRAESA has been awarded this year’s Astrid Lindgren Prize for children’s literature for innovative ways of encouraging reading and literature among children and youth.

Announcing the award on Tuesday, the prize jury cites the organization for opening “new routes into the world of books and literature for young readers” with the joy of reading as a compass point.

The Project for the Study of Alternative Education in South Africa was established in 1992 as an independent research unit affiliated with the University of Cape Town. It was born from the struggle against apartheid education and has focused on language-in-education policies.

The annual award, worth 5 million Swedish kronor ($580,000), is named after Swedish writer Astrid Lindgren, creator of the Pippi Longstocking book series.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles