Reading charity founder looks for support in Jersey

Wednesday 03 February 2016

The founder of a global charity which aims to get more children in Asia and Africa reading books is in Jersey today to talk about how Islanders can support the cause.

Room to Read’s founder John Wood will be at a reception at The Club this evening and at a breakfast business briefing at The Grand tomorrow morning talking about his goal to educate 15 million children by 2020.

His organisation was set up in 2000 and has already helped 10 million children across 17,500 communities in Asia and Africa. It makes sure schools have a good library of books and teachers and librarians trained to teach the children. 

Mr Wood's visit has been organised by PwC and Ogier, whose staff have supported the work of Room to Read. 18 months ago, PwC CI’s Senior Partner Brendan McMahon raised thousands for the organisation after pedaling his way though the Pyrenees on the grueling Haute Route cycle challenge; and last May a team from the company raised more getting on their bikes to take part in PwC’s Uk cycle challenge Ride the Nation.

The Jersey Overseas Aid Commission has also recently announced it's helping to fund Room to Read's work to rebuild Nepal after the earthquake that devastated the country.