1. THE INTERNATIONAL READING ASSOCIATION(IRA) What is IRA? It is a membership based organization which was started in 1956 and has 60,000 members worldwide. Mission: Promote Reading by continuously advancing the quality of literacy instruction and Research worldwide.

2. What has IRA done Specifically in Africa? Pan-African Reading for all Conferences. IRA (1998) in Jamaica (Ochorios) conceived the idea of working with its African Affiliates to host on a rotational basis a biannual conference with the them of “ Reading for all; A Pan-African voice for literacy ” and these conferences have changed the literacy landscape in Africa (8 th Pan African Conference 12 th – 16 th August 2013) The three core aims of IRA are; Improving the quality of reading instruction Disseminating research and information about reading Devising programmes and activities to encourage life-long learning. S.A - 1999 Nigeria – 2001 Uganda – 2003 Ghana – 2005 Swaziland – 2007 Tanzania – 2009 Botswana – 2011 Now Kenya – 2013

3. Grants’ identification and disbursement. Platform for networking at the Annual Convention Publications. Well researched publications distributed to its membership have such valuable research findings, practices and the latest technologies in literacy. These include: Reading today, The Reading Teacher, Reading Research Quarterly, Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy Professiona l development through intervention programs e.g the Zambia ATLAS project partly sponsored by IRA. Leadership training at the leadership workshops that usually precede the Pan-African Reading for all conference.

4. Developing the spirit of volunteerism Advocacy by influencing policy for better literacy practice or outcomes. Professional development activities.

5. What is the Structure of IRA globally? IRA has 8 continent-based branches which include; IDC-AFRICA IDC-LATIN AMERICA IDC-EURASIA IDC-ASIA IDC-EUROPE IDC-NORTH AMERICA IDC- CARIBBEAN IDC-OCEANIA

6. Types of Membership On-line membership Basic Membership Student Basic Membership Developing economy membership You can chose 3 year membership and get a 10% discount For more information, please visit the IRA website www.reading.orgwww.reading.org How to Join IRA? You can Join as an individual member or member of a group e,g RAU. By: Filling an Application.