Our Story
Twenty-five years ago, our founding leaders and earliest investors dared to dream of a world where every child could unlock their full potential through education.
Since that first chapter, we have written many more — in partnership with our global community of supporters. Collectively, we have benefited the lives of more than 45 million children across 28 countries.
We’ve proven that ending the global learning crisis is possible. And our story is far from over.
This year, we’re writing our next chapter, one focused on a new strategic vision for our future. Our new strategy is not time-bound. We’re going bigger, bolder, longer term.
We aspire to institutionalize Room to Read as a leading implementer with a globally recognized and trusted brand. We will develop and deliver evidence-based materials and approaches focused on foundational literacy, and life skills that promote gender equality. We will leverage our literacy and life skills programming toward accelerating learning outcomes for more children, more quickly. As a result, Room to Read will be respected as a valuable partner of choice for government, other system and program partners, as well as investors focused on education.
Your chapter
As Room to Read celebrates our 25th anniversary, we proudly reflect on the remarkable journey that brought us to this milestone. We celebrate 25 years of transforming lives through education — thanks to the generosity, compassion and optimism of supporters like you who accelerate positive change and share our belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®.
"Room to Read's efforts in education and equality have been truly inspiring. Through your initiatives, I've seen how lives can be transformed and futures brightened. Being a small part of this mission is a matter of pride for me."
– Jitendra, Room to Read supporter
"I am 94 years old and I would like to know that I am leaving a kinder, gentler more democratic world when I die."
– Anonymous Room to Read supporter
We benefit more children, more quickly, in partnership with others. Our global community of supporters and like-minded changemakers has helped us to write our story of world change.
Our story would not be the same without your chapters.
To our partners, ambassadors, investors and staff around the world, thank you for propelling the literacy and gender equality movements forward and establishing us as a leader in this effort. Let’s continue to reach for solutions in support of the world's children, together.
Our Story, Your Chapter: 25 Years of Room to Read
One year in: Insights from Room to Read's Climate Justice Clubs
Abigail Spangler, global associate director of Room to Read's Girls’ Education Program
Improving gender equality by reshaping boys’ gender attitudes: Room to Read’s learnings from Cambodia
Dhiraj Anand
