Room to Read

Many world problems can be addressed through one solution: education. Why? Because knowing how to read makes people safer, healthier and more self-sufficient — yet over 750 million people are illiterate and two thirds are women and girls. That’s why Room to Read’s innovative model focuses on deep, systemic transformation within schools in low-income countries during the two most critical time periods in a child’s schooling: early primary school for literacy acquisition and secondary school for girls’ education.

Right now, more than 98 million adolescent girls around the world are not in school. This is a crisis and we know the single best approach to improving the status of women is through education. Yet, girls are disadvantaged when it comes to getting an education. Cultural bias, gender discrimination and safety concerns discourage girls from learning, and these pressures become even more pronounced when girls reach secondary school.

Room to Read's Girls’ Education Program was founded with the belief that educated women can change the world. Educated women are healthier, earn more stable income, and are greater contributors to their community and country.

Room to Read’s Girls’ Education Program helps girls stay in school longer, progress towards completion of secondary school, and acquire the skills and agency they need to make informed choices about their lives and realize their potential. In