Ten-year-old Esther lives with 15 family members in a small house in a humble neighborhood. Her mom works six days a week to make ends meet and provide the basics for her family.
Like many other children facing poverty and hardship around the world, Esther had no books at home and the quality of education at her school, now closed due to COVID-19, is very poor.
Luckily, Esther attends one of our reading programs at a local community hub with her younger brother. “I enjoy coming every week because Miss Paulina teaches us to read and write,” she says enthusiastically. The program has been a vital resource to keep them learning during school shutdowns.
The reading classes and mentoring have made a huge difference. Program Manager, Paula, has seen her progress. “In the beginning, she read word by word. Now she is reading complete sentences without repetition. I believe in her potential to achieve big things in life.” The World Literacy Foundation also sent Esther’s family food, clothes, and books so she can now read at home too.
Esther wants to be a policewoman when she grows up to take care of people in her community. We think her dream will come true because the gift of literacy opens endless possibilities for children in need.
If you are thinking about how you can make a long-lasting difference to a child like Esther, in such a challenging time, please give the gift of literacy today, a gift that truly lasts a lifetime.