About READ India
“Give a man a fish you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” —- Old Chinese proverb
We are dedicated to transforming lives of people from the marginalised communities of India through our well curated intervention programmes.
- Community Engagement and Development: In the last four years, nearly 42000 individuals have undertaken various courses and programmes at our community-led library and resource centres
- Literacy and Education: Since 2012, more than 11000 children, women and men attended various educational programmes at READ library and resource centres.
- Women Empowerment and Livelihood: Since 2012, more than 50000 women and men have been trained on various skills for a better livelihood.
- Early Childhood Development: Over 4500 children between the age groups 2 to 6 years have attended specialised programmes conducted at READ library and resource Centres.
- Information Communication & Technology (ICT): Over the past three years, READ India has trained more than 6000 women and men in acquiring digital skills.
- Livelihood and Income Generation: READ India develops sustainable livelihood programmes to generate income and support the community keeping in view the local available skills, needs and resources.
“Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is the protection of a fundamental human right – the right to dignity and a decent life.”
Nelson Mandela, Make Poverty History rally in 2005.
Core Values
- We believe in human potential
- We have faith in community action
- Serve with compassion and respect
- Equity-driven thinking is the key
- Inclusivity is at the essence of our approach
Our Mission
READ facilitates the creation of self-sustaining and community-led library and resource centres that serve as foundational platforms for fulfilling social and economic well-being of communities.
Our Vision
To build cohesive, inclusive and resilient communities where everyone, especially the marginalized communities, access and benefit from knowledge, resources and opportunities necessary to shape their own dignified and fulfilling futures.
Our Story
How We Got Started
It all began with a simple wish from a Nepalese trekking guide – to have a library for his village. Dr. Antonia “Toni” Neubauer, a former language teacher and education researcher, then harnessed her resources and founded Rural Education and Development (READ) Global in 1991 with the establishment of the first READ Center in the village of Junbesi, Nepal.
In 2007, on receiving a Replication Grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Access to Learning Award (ATLA), READ India was established to bring the foundation’s unique and sustainable model to India. Today, READ Global operates in India, Nepal and Bhutan.
Each and every READ library and resource centre is designed to serve the whole community. Resources are available for adults, children, students, teachers, women, farmers and even those who are illiterate.
Each READ library and resource centre provides the following valuable educational resources:
Resource |
Description |
| Library | 2000 –2500 books, magazines and newspapers in English and the local language. |
| Information Technology Section | Computers, Internet access and computer skills training, e – content. |
| Women’s Empowerment Section | Providing a safe space for women and girls to attend classes, participate in trainings and receive medical exams. |
| Early Childhood Development Section | Providing child-friendly furniture, games, and reading materials. |
| Multimedia and Communications Section | TV, video, DVD player, telephone, fax and copying services. |
| Training Hall | Space for staff and partners to conduct programs on literacy, health, livelihood skills and more. |
Why READ India
We partner with leading Corporates, Foundations, Non-profit Organisations and Government entities on our development journey.
You will find us closer to ground and our transparency and documentation standards ensures that no learning is lost in translation.
Given below are few more reasons that would help you to know us better and also make a decision on partnering based on shared goals.
Community First
Each and every programme is designed keeping in mind the needs of the community and the impact it will create to transform lives.
Digital Practice
Keeping in mind the changing times, we make extensive use of relevant digital technologies and tools to reach out to communities across India and make the necessary impact.
Passion & Compassion
Scaffold Methodology
For our workshop with communities, we follow the Scaffold Approach in Learning. Wherein the participants are provided the necessary support, step-by-step, they need while learning something new. That way, they stand a better chance of using the knowledge in changing their lives.
Monitoring & Evaluation
Grassroot Experience
Awards & Recognitions
GuideStar conducts in-depth due diligence on compliances, processes, policies and procedures of an organisation including statutory compliances as mandated by Govt. of India. A Gold Seal status is the leading symbol of non-profit transparency and accountability.
The award is conferred to the top 100 pre-schools in India for their unique contribution to the evolving trends in teaching and learning patterns. READ India’s rural pre-school model focuses on applying global pre-school standards to the villages.
Conferred on DR. Geeta Malhotra for her singular dedication and achievement in her profession by Rifacimento International.
Rifacimento International brings through its publications, national and international recognition as a leader in one’s field and provides a valuable third party endorsement.
Validations:
- READ India has valid FCRA, 80 G, 12-A and CSR 1 Certifications which are mandatory due diligence documents for any credible NGO working in India, especially with CSR funds.
- READ India work is validated time to time by credible organisations like DASRA, CAF International, Synergy Connect and Goodera. These validations are done at the time of third party assessments and on specific projects.
