The World Literacy Foundation’s Youth Ambassador Program is now in its fourth cycle, following the immense success of the previous three years. This program aims to provide people aged 14-24, from almost 70 countries around the world, with the tools to advocate for literacy and education in their communities. The lessons learned throughout the program will equip Youth Ambassadors with the skills and knowledge to become young leaders and inspire their peers to promote the importance of fostering a more literate society.

The World Literacy Foundation believes the power for long-term change lies in the hands of our youth and they are committed to elevating young leaders for positive change. In an increasingly globalized world, it is important to unite like-minded individuals from every country to work for a single cause: ERADICATE ILLITERACY AROUND THE WORLD!

Meet ten of the 750 inspiring WLF Youth Ambassadors and read about the important work they are doing in the fight against illiteracy.

Meagan Warren – 15 years old

“I wanted to become a WLF Youth Ambassador because I have always been passionate about books. I even started my own non-profit, Books for Bedtime, and have distributed more than 90,000 books to kids across the world. When I first stumbled across the WLF, I knew that their goals and my goals were in line with each other. I wanted to be a part of something so powerful and I have already established connections with other changemaking youth. I want to raise $2000 to purchase Sun Books so that all kids can experience the joy of reading. Books are the key to the door of opportunity and we are working together to open that door.”

Julia Peake – 17 years old

“I applied to become a World Literacy Foundation Youth Ambassador because my baby brother is dyslexic, as well as both of my parents. The thought of someone being denied an opportunity to discover new worlds and find their own escape in reading just because of a learning disability breaks my heart… I believe that everyone deserves someone motivating them and teaching them to love books, not only to be able to enjoy reading, but to be able to survive in the 21st century and thrive in any career they choose.”

Victor Chimezie – 22 years old

“I’m a Nigerian devoted to a better and safer society where everyone is free to live out his or her talents and due to this I have reached out to 2000 fellow Nigerian youths in peace events, seminars and training aimed at reducing the number of youths available and ready to partake in violence and terrorist acts. In the course of my programs, I have noticed the problem really is quality education. My country, Nigeria, has a lot of out of school children and the government pay very little attention to the education sector. I’m grateful for being made a World Literacy Foundation Youth Ambassador as I hope to use this to advocate for more funds from the country’s budget to the Education sector and equip libraries and schools in urban, suburban and rural areas over the next 12 months.”

Angela Frimpong – 20 years old

“I grew up in Accra, the capital of Ghana. Through my work in rural Ghana, I have seen how the ability to read and write can increase the confidence of individuals and their employment opportunities. This experience inspired me to work towards a world where every individual is literate. However, I am aware that in many rural areas, schools do not have the resources they need to teach their students. This is why I am passionate about being a WLF Youth Ambassador and raising funds for organizations like Sun Books which provides resources for schools in Uganda to teach children literacy skills.”

Danielle Goldman – 16 years old

“I’ve been able to acquire hundreds of books for a first-grade classroom that lacked educational resources because many people and charitable organizations generously donated books. I’ve learnt that my efforts can make an impact on children’s lives and that improving literacy and access to books is an important mission. I wanted to become a WLF Youth Ambassador because I want to improve children’s literacy on a worldwide scale. Literacy enables people to engage fully in society and to pursue their dreams. I want to make a change in the world and to help empower children to reach their potential.”

Muneeb Hassan – 15 years old

“I became a WLF Youth Ambassador because the WLF mission for promoting literacy around the globe is in line with my dream of having a world full of literate and prosperous people. Furthermore, I believe that every person can bring great innovations for us but the only hurdle they have in their path is illiteracy. Therefore, in order to break down this barrier, I decided to work alongside WLF as a Youth Ambassador in order to change the future of the upcoming generation. In this program, I hope to accomplish my duty of spreading the message of WLF and bringing literacy skills and knowledge to all of my young brothers and sisters around the globe.”

Kizza Arnold Luminsa – 20 years old

“No informed observer can refute the fact that Uganda is one of those developing countries with many challenges including poverty, unemployment, school dropouts, teenage pregnancy and many other factors that really make it hard for Ugandans to enjoy their life. However, when I saw an opportunity to be a Youth Ambassador, that in the long run will be a platform for me to make a positive sustainable impact on my country, I took it up. I know that me, and all the other Youth Ambassadors, can make a change.”

Jomia Pangilinan – 19 years old

“Growing up as a first-generation immigrant born and raised in a developing country – (also by a family of teachers!), I felt that I needed a platform to share an entire multi-tiered story that stems from reaffirming what it means to be literate in an ever-changing world. It is only recently that I realized that I’ve always wanted to be an instructional designer that would eventually spearhead the development of a personalized learning material that would be inclusive and considerate of every child’s cognitive process.”

Avanthika Panchapakesan – 16 years old

“Literacy is a fundamental human right — it’s the border between cultural, racial, and educational pathways. It’s more than the letters and commas that flow onto the paper; literacy impacts the quality of life for individuals. Literacy is a gift that mustn’t be taken away from a child.  Education to me is a fundamental human right, and for me to even imagine not having the opportunities I have today, is horrifying. I wish to transform the lives of children and give them equal educational opportunities. For me, this starts by being a WLF Youth Ambassador and advocating for a cause I believe in.”

Michail Petrov – 15 years old

“Literacy is a significant aspect of life, it’s critical to economic development and individual prosperity. For me, being literate has opened up many great opportunities in life which is why I would like to pass my knowledge onto less fortunate students. I believe that being a WLF Youth Ambassador is a deeply rewarding opportunity. Given it, I will have the chance to network with like-minded individuals that are set on making an impact on the education of children in poor conditions”.

Change is the result of courageous individuals leading their peers, and themselves, towards positive social outcomes. These changemakers are smart and strategic thinkers. They are authentic, empathetic and value human connection. But more importantly, they go out and make the great things happen. The world definitely needs more inspiring young leaders like them!