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. 

The COVID-19 crisis has reminded us of a simple fact: we need to take care of each other.

The education of 1.27 billion children and youth has been affected by school closures due to COVID-19 this year. Families are facing immense financial stress and this is likely to affect parents’ decisions to support their children’s education.

Our COVID-19 response teams and volunteers have reached over 2,500 families worldwide since March. Literacy packs and mentoring support have been delivered to help parents and encourage children to continue learning from home. But there is so much more to be done.

We aim to reach 5,000 children and families who need vital literacy support by providing resources from book packs to weekly reading and writing mentoring. These will help children develop the skills to lift them out of poverty. Will you join us?

The most vulnerable children in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Colombia, and Africa who do not have access to remote learning opportunities like Esther need your support today!