Room to Read

Room to Read implements literacy programs aimed at developing reading skills and fostering an interest in reading among children. Its gender equality programs focus on supporting adolescents, particularly girls, in building life skills that promote gender equality.

Room to Read was founded in 2000 by John Wood, a former Microsoft executive, after a transformative trip to Nepal. During the trip, he saw firsthand the lack of access to books and educational resources for children in rural schools. Struck by the vast educational inequality, Wood left his corporate career to start Room to Read with the mission of improving literacy and promoting gender equality in education. He began by building libraries and providing books in local languages, believing that education was the most powerful way to break the cycle of poverty.

San Francisco, USA

The organization was found in 2000 by John Wood, Erin Keown Ganju, and Dinesh Shrestha

South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Middle East

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Since its founding in 2000, the nonprofit has benefited more than 39 million children across 23 countries, primarily in Asia and Africa. It has distributed over 36 million books, established more than 21,000 libraries, and trained over 200,000 teachers to improve reading instruction. Its Girls’ Education Program has supported over 80,000 girls, helping them stay in school and build life skills—leading to graduation rates over 90%, well above national averages in many partner countries.