SAN FRANCISCO, July 1 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — In the aftermath of the exacerbated COVID-19 pandemic in countries including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, and as a new wave of the virus threatens the African continent, a worsening learning crisis that affected 1.6 billion children in 2020 is permanently disrupting the educations of children and heightening risks to young girls. Today, Room to Read announced that it is urgently working to mobilize capital and resources through its 1,600 employees in 17 countries, global and regional board network, and investors around the world. Room to Read is committed to reaching an additional 20 million children and adding 10 new countries to its operations by 2025, with ‘COVID-smart’ programs in literacy and girls’ education.
“The pandemic has created a deep and enduring wound to the global education system that will chronically and profoundly affect the life outcomes of children and communities everywhere,” said Dr. Geetha Murali, CEO of Room to Read. During a recent virtual benefit series organized by Room to Read Murali stated, “(Room to Read is) here to make sure families who’ve already lost so much don’t lose the one thing they know will give their children a brighter future: an education.” The events, titled “Resilience Rising,” raised funds to support 61,000 children through Room to Read’s Education Resilience Fund, recently launched to invest in Room to Read programs that ensure learning continues for children around the globe.