“If we are to teach real peace in this world…we shall have to begin with the children.” – Gandhi
Exciting news from India! The Indian Premier League (IPL) has officially kicked off its third season and has chosen to put its incredible popularity to good use – by partnering with Room to Read to shed some light on the country’s educational issues and challenge its 200+ million viewers to do something about it.
Of all the world’s illiterate people, approximately 35% live in India; and, unless drastic measures are taken to address the issue, it’s estimated that by 2020 that figure will skyrocket to over 50%. What’s more, women in India are nearly twice as likely as men to be illiterate, pointing to serious gender disparity in education.
That’s why IPL has pledged to promote Room to Read’s work throughout the tournament. Both during games and through social media, IPL will challenge cricket-lovers around the world to recognize the gravity of the issues India faces around literacy and inspire them to get involved.
“We are thrilled that the Indian Premier League (IPL) has identified this cause and has come forward to support our mission. This tie-up will bring the issue of illiteracy to the forefront of the national consciousness and help create awareness about the solutions that we must implement to ensure that all children, regardless of gender or background, have access to enhanced educational opportunities,” said Dinesh Shrestha, Room to Read Co-founder (and acting India country director).
Having taken note of Room to Read’s impressive results in the country since 2003 (3,200 libraries established, 620,000 local language books printed in five languages, and 5,500 years of girls’ education funded), IPL has chosen to throw their weight behind the organization, and we couldn’t be more excited to have them on our team.
Taking the challenge directly to cricket fans, Room to Read’s Chief Program Officer, Dhir Jhingran, proclaimed in a recent interview with IPL, “Just as our favorite cricket players are batting for their fans, we are all collectively batting for the children of this country. We are batting for their rights and their futures!”
Read more about the significance of Room to Read’s partnership with IPL in the web feature article, “Batting for Children’s Rights and Future: Room to Read.”
So a big thank you to the Indian Premier League for your support. And may the best team win!
Click here to read the IPL/Room to Read press release announcement.
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