A child reading in a classroom./PHOTO;illustration by AI
Room to Read, a global education nonprofit dedicated to nurturing foundational learning skills in children, has announced a major strategic investment in Africa, unveiling a $75 million fundraising initiative to scale its programs across the continent.
The announcement coincided with the launch of Room to Read’s inaugural Africa Regional Advisory Board during a joint board session in South Africa last week.
The initiative will double Room to Read’s investment in the region, targeting at least eight African countries and ensuring that at least 8 million children annually gain access to foundational literacy and life skills programs by 2027.
The announcement underscores the organization’s commitment to addressing critical educational gaps and fostering cross-sector partnerships that accelerate learning outcomes for children.
“By 2050, approximately one-third of the world’s young people will live in Africa, making this moment in history a defining one for human potential. Yet, today, nearly nine in 10 children in sub-Saharan Africa cannot read a simple text by age 10, and gender gaps in education persist across the continent,” said Dr. Geetha Murali, CEO of Room to Read.
“As an organization focused on skill-building, foundational learning, and gender equality, Room to Read is uniquely positioned to be a strong partner to governments, educational leaders, and communities by mobilizing the capital, leadership, and cross-sector collaboration needed to unlock the continent’s brilliant promise.”
The $75 million investment initiative is designed to scale Room to Read’s proven model, which includes creating engaging literacy and life skills curriculum, supporting educators with training and coaching, fostering safe and inclusive classrooms, and partnering with governments to strengthen national education systems.
Since its first work in Africa in 2006, the organisation has reached over 10 million children in countries including South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Zambia.
The nonprofit’s approach emphasizes local leadership and deep community partnerships, with nationals leading community-based operations from program design to implementation.
This model has influenced national education policies: Tanzania has integrated Room to Read’s literacy approach into all Grade 1 reading materials, and South Africa’s Department of Basic Education has adapted its library model nationwide.
Students in Room to Read-supported schools are showing learning gains close to twice those of their peers.
In Tanzania, a 2024 survey of alumnae from the Girls’ Education Program found that 90% had either enrolled in tertiary education or were employed, demonstrating the program’s long-term impact.
Similarly, Room to Read is partnering with local organizations in Kenya and Malawi to adapt its Webby-Award-winning She Creates Change films and curriculum to empower a new generation of young changemakers.
Room to Read’s Africa Regional Advisory Board will guide the organization’s strategic priorities across the continent and foster collaboration with public, private, and philanthropic partners.
The board’s formation signals a commitment to leveraging regional expertise and resources to scale programs efficiently and sustainably.
“I am honored to join Room to Read’s Global Board at such a pivotal moment,” said Ana Arsov, newly appointed member of the organization’s Global Board of Directors.
“Education is the single most powerful investment we can make in our children and in our collective future. I look forward to contributing my experience to help Room to Read scale its impact, in Africa where the need and opportunity are so great – and beyond.”
The $75 million investment will allow Room to Read to reach unprecedented scale in the coming years, targeting eight million children annually with programs that improve literacy, life skills, and gender equality.
By combining catalytic capital with local expertise and strong partnerships, the organization aims to create transformative educational opportunities that are both measurable and sustainable.
Dr. Murali emphasized that the timing of the investment is critical: Africa is poised to experience significant demographic growth, and equipping children with foundational learning skills now will determine the continent’s future social and economic trajectory.
“We are at a historic moment where strategic investment in education can unlock human potential on a massive scale,” she said.
“Our work in Africa is about more than literacy and life skills – it is about enabling children to participate fully in society, pursue opportunities, and shape the future of their communities and nations.”
Room to Read’s approach to education goes beyond the classroom.
Its programs foster a culture of learning, promote gender equality, and ensure that students, especially girls, have the support needed to complete school and pursue further opportunities.
The combination of evidence-based curriculum, teacher training, and community engagement has positioned Room to Read as a trusted partner for governments and education stakeholders across Africa.
With this new funding initiative and the guidance of its Africa Regional Advisory Board, Room to Read is positioned to make a transformative impact on the continent’s education landscape, reaching millions of children with the skills they need to thrive in school, work, and life.
ABOUT ROOM TO READ:
Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, Room to Read is a non-profit that develops children’s foundational literacy skills, as well as life skills that promote gender equality.
It also nurtures these essential skills in children by training and coaching educators, creating quality learning materials and spaces, and strengthening education systems – all while honouring the dignity of every child.
