DHL Express, the world’s leading international express services provider, announces a new partnership with Worldreader, a non-profit organization that advances literacy in developing countries by providing e-books to children in need. DHL Express will support Worldreader’s mission of putting 1,000,000 Amazon KindlesTM loaded with some of the world’s best-loved books into the hands of young children in Uganda, Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania before the end of 2015.

“Digital books are the most innovative, efficient way to improve literacy in developing countries, so millions can improve their lives,” said David Risher, CEO and co-Founder of Worldreader. “Although the transportation infrastructure in many African countries that we serve can be challenging, we’re thrilled to now work closely with a company like DHL Express which has so much experience in this diverse region.”

DHL Express was the first international express company to operate in Africa and is the only carrier to have a dedicated air network in the continent. Through the partnership, DHL Express will deliver Worldreader’s educational products to African countries, enabling the non-profit organization to purchase more e-readers and books for distribution to those in need.

“We admire the valuable work that is being done by Worldreader and are pleased to be playing a role in spreading literacy throughout the world,” said Ian Clough, CEO of DHL Express U.S. “As a company that operates globally, our team of international specialists has seen firsthand the impact that books and education can play in shaping the lives of children.”

DHL has long been committed to corporate responsibility programs. The Company’s GoTeach program creates and improves educational opportunities for children and teens around the world by partnering with organizations such as the US-based Teach For All network and the SOS Children Villages.

“The issue of education in Africa is a longstanding one, and one that we’re passionate about tackling,” says Randy Buday, Managing Director of DHL Express Anglophone Africa. “As a corporate citizen, it’s our duty to invest in the people living in the communities we serve and we take this responsibility very seriously. Whether it’s working with global organisations like SOS Children’s Villages; distributing these phenomenal e-books; or simply delivering much-needed educational items to schools and organisations aligned with our local offices, education and community investment is critical to the continent’s growth and well-being.”

Risher concludes, “We already put more than 200,000 e-books into the hands of 1,000 students in sub-Saharan Africa and now with the support of DHL Express, Worldreader is better positioned to help increase access to digital books in developing nations.”