Room to Read began working in India in 2003 to improve the quality of learning resources and opportunities for every child and adolescent. With a widespread presence and proven history delivering education interventions that work, Room to Read has cultivated trusted partnerships local, state, and national government stakeholders, paving the way for Room to Read to influence state and national education policy and systemically improve how millions of students learn essential skills. In fact, Room to Read was among a select group of organizations that were invited by the government to help support the development and implementation of NIPUN Bharat, affording Room to Read a unique opportunity to influence policy guiding India’s efforts to pursue the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and secure the right for every child to gain a quality education.  

In India, Room to Read implements two key programs: 

  1. Literacy: Based on the needs and priorities of each state and school in which Room to Read operates, literacy programming in India consists of either delivering its full Literacy Program, including curricular support and trainings to teachers and library support, or is solely focused on libraries. Through the full Literacy Program, Room to Read provides local educators with the instructional training and resources they need to ensure more students are more effectively learning learn how to read and write. Library support is focused on establishing and maintaining child-friendly libraries, filled with colorful, local language books developed by local authors and illustrators, in partnership with Room to Read.

  2. Girls’ Education and Gender Equality: Room to Read supports secondary school students with mentorship and life skills workshops to help adolescents — especially girls — navigate the many challenges, biases and pressures they face, including the pressure to drop out of school early.