Under the Reading Tree has three main program focuses for each library:
Children's literacy is central to our mission and purpose. While many children in developing countries are learning to read in school, they often have little or no access to books and other educational materials. In order to fill this gap, community libraries are intended to provide opportunities for children to practice reading and writing during and after school hours, complementing the work of already established primary and elementary schools. One program offered is Ready to Read, which is a complete literacy program that teaches children whole language and reading development. Lessons consist of creative stories and vibrant pictures that help students learn and remember many rules of spelling in the English language. Used in full, Ready to Read is considered to be a complete and effective literacy program.
Adult literacy is also central to Under the Reading Tree’s library programs, with a focus on providing opportunities for women to improve their reading and writing skills. Our focus on women is motivated by studies that have shown that adult women’s literacy is the single most important factor in improving household incomes, and has a similarly positive impact on family health, nutrition and education.
Community education is promoted through networking with local colleges and professionals to offer workshops and forums on issues such as agriculture, health, nutrition and other topics identified as important within each community. Libraries provide further access to information by giving community members access to books and other resources on a wide range of topics, with the goal of promoting self-education and broader community development.