Hosting: Room to Read

Room to Read is a a non-profit organisation that develops children’s foundational literacy skills, as well as life skills that promote gender equality.

They train and coach educators, they create quality learning materials, libraries and spaces, work to strengthen education systems and deliver their programs both directly and with partners in the countries where they work. 

Room to Read envisions a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality, where all children have room to read, learn and grow.

Their mission started 25 years ago with the idea that World Change starts with Educated Children. Their programs now benefit more than 50 million children globally across 28 countries.

They hosted a 25th anniversary gala to both celebrate their accomplishments and to encourage supporters to dig deep and to help raise funds for education programs, libraries, the provision of books to children in different countries and communities and for teacher training.

During the evening the attendees heard from CEO of Room to Read, Dr Geetha Murali, Country Director for Cambodia Vantha Chea and also Global Chair Elect Mike Cannon-Brookes of Atlassian. It was an honour to be part of the event, to hear from the speakers, to reflect on the power of stories and teachers and to see so many people pledge their support so that more programs can be rolled out to help children worldwide.