Room to Read Celebrates 1000th Library
by Bill Rose, SSPA Founder/Executive Director

A few of you have recently asked me for an update on Room to Read, the official philanthropy of the SSPA. I’m happy to report that the organization is continuing its work and is using donations to build more schools, libraries, and computer labs in Nepal, India, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

If you aren’t familiar with Room to Read, the organization was founded by John Wood, an ex-Microsoft executive, who believes that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and taking control of one’s life. To make that possible for underprivileged children in the countries it serves, Room to Read partners with local communities to erect buildings and create opportunities for these children to learn. The organization also provides long-term scholarships for girls in these countries.

On April 29th, the organization celebrated the completed construction of its 1000th library, this one in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The library is now stocked with more than 400 books in both Khmer and English. A slide show of this historic event is available on the Room to Read site, www.roomtoread.org.

If you want to contribute to this valuable cause using their secure online credit card form, please add “Attn: SSPA Education Fund” in the special instructions. If you want to mail a check, please send it Attn: SSPA Education Fund. Doing this will make it possible for us to track the donations and post the progress back to you.

Sincerely,


Bill Rose
SSPA Founder/Executive Director