As a kid, few skills and moments are as fundamentally transformative as learning how to read. Beyond being a basic academic requirement, literacy opens doors to a world of knowledge, imagination, creativity, and lifelong learning. It’s hard to imagine living in a world where you can't read, but the reality is that 250 million children are not in school and are facing that future. Seven in ten ten-year-olds in low- and middle-income countries cannot read and understand a simple text. Room to Read’s mission is to change that.
Through education, Room to Read is transforming the lives of millions of children to create a world free from illiteracy. Their Literacy Program transforms primary schools globally to enable children to become independent readers and lifelong learners. The program trains and coaches teachers, creates quality books and curricular materials and establishes libraries filled with diverse children’s books in local languages that can be enjoyed at school or home. In just 2022 alone, they were able to train over 277,000 teachers and librarians, as well as distribute 39.4 million books to 39M+ children across 23 countries since 2000.
Keeping children in school and advancing literacy also helps create positive waves for gender equality! In certain areas of the world, traditional gender roles restrict educational opportunities for girls, prioritizing household responsibilities over education. It’s estimated that 2/3 of adults who cannot read are women. Thankfully, Room to Read’s Girls’ Education Program helps girls build the skills to succeed in school and make key life decisions by providing critical knowledge, life skills classes, mentorship, peer support, and family and community engagement. Giving girls the opportunity and support they need to finish school opens up a world of possibilities.
Through our partnership, and your support, we’ve donated 105,624 books to children all around the world! The literacy skills kids gain through these books will help them excel in class and in life – a leg up all kids deserve. Give the gift of a great education with our collection that educates kids today.
