The Charity
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Room to Read
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World Change Starts with Educated Children
Bring Light Activity
23 Donors
2 Projects since May, 2007
2 Active Projects since May, 2007
Charity Info
Based in: San Francisco, California
Year founded: 2000
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Project Info
The concept of a school library is virtually non-existent in many communities throughout the developing world. Because so many people in the developing world survive on less than US$1 per day, children's books are considered luxury items. In some cases, not a single book is available to children to encourage independent learning, intellectual curiosity, and a lifelong passion for reading. Teachers lack the expertise and resources to establish libraries. In many cases, the few books in schools are not children's books, sometimes not in the local language or in English, and are locked up for safekeeping, keeping them out of the hands of young readers! Even when they have acquired the skills to read, many children do not have access to books to practice - and enjoy - these skills.
The first step towards the lifelong gift of education is putting a book in the hands of a child. Room to Read seeks to facilitate this by establishing a library in every new primary and secondary school we build, as well as in many existing schools, through our Reading Room Program. We create a child-friendly learning environment, complete with as many as 300 to 1000 age-appropriate local language and English children's books, furniture, games, puzzles, and posters. In these libraries, students find books that expand their world, teach them new ideas, and equip them with critical life skills. Furthermore, as part of our Reading Room Program, we provide training on proper library implementation with three years of support, which includes the provision of additional children's books and further training for staff.
We establish reading rooms in several different types of settings: 1) schools we have helped to construct; 2) other schools that have applied specifically for a Reading Room; and 3) other environments where children have a need to learn, such as orphanages, children's hospitals, schools run by other non-profits, and community centers.
One example of such a library is the Binh Xuan Primary School in Tien Giang, southern Vietnam. Here, the school board believed that having a library and books would be a great boost to the quality of education at the school and would be highly motivating for the approximately 900 students and teachers. Upon approaching Room to Read's Vietnam team, they offered to appoint a dedicated librarian to run the program. The Reading Room established in late 2005 is divided into two parts: one area for book keeping and housing the books, and one area where students can sit and read the books. Located on the main floor of the school, the room has been renovated and equipped with lights and electric fans to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for the students. All bookshelves, reading tables and seats have been colorfully painted. These reading tables and seats are perfect for primary school students. In a special area, bright foam covers the floor; here, students can sit on soft pillows to play with educational games and read books. Over 600 English and Vietnamese books await eager students. In addition, fun educational posters are on the walls to attract students and inspire curiosity and an interest in reading.
As part of our strategy, local communities partner with us through our "Challenge Grant" model. If a school would like to partner with us to establish a library, we require them to support the project by dedicating space, providing a dedicated librarian who undergoes Room to Read training in library skills, and, in the case of the Library Construction Projects, materials and labor to aid in construction. In this way we ensure that the schools are committed to the library and will therefore continue to sustain it.
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