Everest of Apples- Akita is proud to announce the launch of our new alliance with Room to Read (www.roomtoread.org). The motto at Room to Read is "World Change starts with Educated Children." Their organization builds libraries and educational infrastructure throughout Nepal. They also offer complete scholarships to minorities and young girls seeking an education in some of the poorest areas throughout the country. We at EofA-Akita chose this organization because of their commitment to low overhead fees and dedication to involving local communities in construction and development. In 2006, less than 9.2 cents out of every dollar went to overhead fees.
Local communities have complete ownership of Room to Read projects. We believe that this grassroots approach fosters sustainable social change, rather than creating a continued dependence on outside sources and Western paternalism. Nepalese communities interested in working with Room to Read agree to assemble a construction committee that holds regular meetings to ensure progress. They must use an agreed-upon blueprint, in order to ensure that all schools are built safely and in a cost-effective manner. Communities also commit funds, materials, land, and/or labor to any construction effort.
In 2006-2007, Everest of Apples- Akita raised a total of ¥710,000. Our goal for the 2007-2008 JET Programme year is to raise enough money to build a primary school and also support a number of girls’ scholarships.
- ♦$US15,000 to build a school in Nepal
- ♦$US2,500 to provide a scholarship for one girl for 10 years
For more information on Room to Read, please visit their website at www.roomtoread.org. You may also view a short PBS/Frontline film documenting one girl’s experience with the Room to Read scholarship: http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/rough/2007/06/nepal_a_girls_l.html.
