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Kodak provides books to high-needs communities

May 14, 2018  By PrintAction Staff


Photos: Kodak

Kodak announced today it is creating a volunteer printer network that will produce thousands of children’s books and school supplies in 2018 for some of the world’s most disadvantaged populations using sustainable Kodak printing products, such as Kodak Sonora Process Free Plates.

“It’s wonderful to see printers signing up across the globe to participate in Kodak’s Print for Good program,” said Richard Rindo, General Manager Sales, Print Systems Division, Vice President Eastman Kodak Company. “Participating printers are using Kodak’s sustainable technology to print and donate quantities of approximately 2,000 or more pieces of original children’s book titles or school notebooks. Those books and school supplies will be distributed in different geographies through on-the-ground partnerships with literacy organizations, schools and local non-profit groups.”


Last year, Print for Good placed more than 30,000 books and printed materials into the hands of thousands of children in communities throughout Europe, the United States, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East. The program also:

• Donated funds to help build a library in an all-girls Haitian orphanage
• Provided prayer booklets that were delivered to children in need during the 2017 Passover holiday in Israel
• Hosted book-signing events and book drives around the world

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The Print for Good initiative also saw Kodak employees in the company’s facilities around the world volunteer to support their own community literacy initiatives, including participation in local school reading programs.

According to Rindo, printers are joining the effort from every major sales territory. “They are volunteering to join Kodak in 2018 to share the printed word in support of literacy, and help to build stronger communities,” he said.

This year, Kodak says it will also establish a new partnership with Room to Read, a global non-profit focused on literacy and girls’ education in low-income countries. Working with Room to Read, Kodak will support the establishment of Room to Read’s Literacy Program at a primary school in Rajasthan, India, bringing the community access to a safe and child-friendly learning environment, with books in the children’s local language, as well as teachers and librarians who are trained in the best practices of reading and writing instruction.

“There are millions of children who need high-quality education interventions around the world. Our partnership with Kodak allows us to deepen Room to Read’s impact in India and tackle illiteracy head-on in the state of Rajasthan,” said Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Geetha Murali. “Kodak’s support will contribute to our impact on the lives of 270,000 children in India through our Literacy Program, enabling them to reach their full potential and change the direction of their future.”


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