Community

Dr. Raji Ambikairajah

You have been a supporter of Room to Read for over a decade; what has inspired your commitment to this organization?

When I first heard about Room to Read, I was drawn to the metrics, its bold goals and the details of the business model. The engineer in me did the math - this was an organization that was serious about eradicating illiteracy and knew how to make it happen. I wanted to be part of a global movement that was ambitious, tenacious and genuinely committed to making sure that every child has equal access to a quality education.

What made you want to include Room to Read in your will? Why would you recommend others who are passionate about this work consider making a planned gift?

I was in my mid-twenties when I first became involved with Room to Read. I was in the early stages of my career and wasn't earning an income that was large enough for me to contribute to the causes I cared about. But it was important to me that I was using my life and career for social impact. The only means I had at the time to do that, was through a legacy commitment. I sought out a financial planner and put together my will, and included Room to Read. Although I had no visibility on whether I would ever have the capacity to give during my lifetime, I felt motivated by the fact that whatever I created in my life would end up contributing to a world where all children could pursue a quality education.

Through your legacy commitment, you are helping to create a world of gender equality in education and where illiteracy can be eradicated in one generation. What does that mean to you?

I believe that the greatest impact that any of us can have in our own lifetimes is that which carries beyond our own time. No matter where we are in the timeline of humanity, a quality education will be the great leveler and the most effective tool in solving the world's challenges and creating future changemakers. If I can play a small role in that, then that means everything to me.