Turning Pages: Redefining Literacy and Empowerment Across Africa

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Krish Nachnani. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

Krish Nachnani’s journey into service began with a deep love for books and a sharp awareness of what happens when access to them disappears. When the pandemic shuttered his local library, he was struck by how this temporary inconvenience mirrored the daily reality for students in underserved communities worldwide. This realization propelled him into action through the African Library Project (ALP), where he began organizing book drives to help establish school libraries in Africa. His initial efforts resulted in five new libraries and laid the groundwork for a much larger vision.

In 2024, a pivotal service trip to Kenya deepened and refines Krish’s focus to the cause. While there, he witnessed a student production about female genital mutilation—a stark reminder that some traditions persist despite legal bans. The performance advocated for access to accurate, empowering information, especially around women’s health and gender equality. Krish realized that books could do more than teach reading; they could shift cultural norms and open conversations that lead to long-term change.

With this insight, Krish founded the African Literacy Club (ALC), an initiative that fuses education with advocacy. Through ALC, he expanded his mission beyond general literacy to include curated collections focused on women’s health and social empowerment. In just its first year, the club raised $12,500, shipped over 15,000 books and helped build 10 libraries. His model ended up reaching more than 20,000 students across five sub-Saharan African countries.

Krish’s leadership has inspired a network of student volunteers to take on the cause. He mentors peers at his school in organizing their own book drives, sharing strategies for fundraising and community outreach. The impact is measurable: ALP surveys show a 90% improvement in reading skills and a 10% boost in academic performance among partner libraries supported by ALC.

Read more about Krish’s journey of opening new chapters for thousands of students who now see books not just as tools for learning, but as keys to a more just and inclusive future.

Tell us about your volunteer role.

I joined ALP in 2020 as a book drive organizer, responsible for collecting 1,000 gently used books, raising $750 for shipping and preparing and labeling the boxes for shipment. I continued this role for five years, organizing a drive every summer.

In 2024, after attending the ALP Partner Summit in Kenya, I launched the African Literacy Club at my school to encourage more students to become book drive organizers. I now mentor peers through every step of the process, from collecting and sorting books to fundraising and coordinating with container managers. Together, our club has collected 10,000 books and raised $7,500, supporting libraries in Kenya, Botswana, Malawi, Lesotho and Ghana, and reaching more than 20,000 students.

What inspired you to get started with this initiative?

At the ALP Partner Summit in Kenya, I shared my experience as a book drive organizer and listened to librarians and African partners describe their challenges. They explained how schools apply for libraries through a careful process, but sometimes there simply aren’t enough U.S.-based organizers to collect and ship books. That’s when I realized my role shouldn’t stop at running a single drive each year; rather, I should mentor new organizers to help build a steady pipeline of support.

Why is this issue so important to you?

My grandparents fled Karachi during Partition and grew up with almost no access to books. My parents were the first in my family to change that cycle, working hard to pursue education even without many resources. I, by contrast, grew up surrounded by books.

When the pandemic closed my local library, I briefly experienced what it felt like not to have books within reach. That absence motivated me to help ensure that students elsewhere, especially in Africa, could access books consistently. From my family’s story, I’ve seen how literacy can open doors and shape opportunities.

What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization?

I’m preparing our current officers to take over leadership when I graduate, while also launching a chapter at our middle school campus so younger students can get involved earlier. Looking ahead, I hope to start a similar club in college.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

Seeing photos of students reading in the libraries we helped create is always a highlight. Just as rewarding has been watching peers I mentored run successful book drives of their own.

What have you learned through your experiences volunteering?

I’ve learned to listen to the people I’m serving. Conversations with African librarians and partners showed me that no two schools are the same, and book needs differ across regions and contexts.

I’ve also learned to think more deeply about the power books can carry.

While in Kenya, I watched a play performed by girls at a school that had received an ALP library. Their performance addressed female genital mutilation (FGM), a practice that strips away young girls’ bodily autonomy. In response, I began packing books on women’s health, bodily autonomy and rights and encouraged my club members to do the same so students can learn about their rights, find resources and, over time, challenge harmful norms in their communities.

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?

You become part of a community of people who share the same commitment. That community helps you grow by offering feedback, support and opportunities to learn from one another.

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

Choose a cause you genuinely care about. Start small, but be consistent. Bring friends with you, learn from those who came before and enjoy the process. Volunteering is less about one big moment and more about showing up again and again.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Krish? Find local volunteer opportunities.