Hilton Worldwide Partners Room to Read

Hilton Worldwide has entered into a three-year partnership with Room to Read – a global nonprofit organisation focused on improving literacy and gender equality in education.

Hilton Worldwide’s support of Room to Read began this past January in India. To date, funding is supporting the establishment of 30 new school libraries over the next three years, the initial participation of more than 75 girls in the Girls’ Education programme and the publication of six original, local language children’s books over the next three years and distribution to Room to Read’s network of libraries and NGO partners throughout India.

The first 10 new libraries will be established in Delhi, India, this year. The sites are in the process of being chosen by Room to Read teams based on school population, test scores, literacy rates and structural integrity. Each library will be stocked with English and local language books that are organised according to Room to Read’s book leveling guidelines, a process of matching titles to the reading abilities and interests of students, to encourage children’s independence and enable book selections without the teacher’s assistance.

The Room to Read Girls’ Education programme ensures that girls have the skills and support needed to complete their secondary school education. For example, in India, the life skills training component promotes physical and mental health education, peer pressure avoidance, and encourages peer-to-peer support through ongoing workshops. Some of the recent activities have included the girls attending an interactive session on how to avoid abusive situations.

Hilton Worldwide is also expanding its partnership with Room to Read to support the Girls’ Education programme in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Across these countries, there is a high degree of poverty with a significant percentage of the population surviving on less than US$2 per day. Particularly in rural areas, many children are forced to drop out of school early to find work to support their families. For girls, there are additional obstacles that impede their access to education which increase their risk of sexual and economic exploitation or trafficking. Room to Read’s Girls Education programme addresses these challenges by identifying girls in late primary and secondary school who are at risk of dropping out and ensuring they have the financial, academic and mentoring support to complete school with the skills they need to succeed.

During the month of May, Hilton Worldwide will also support Room to Read’s annual spring fundraising campaign promoting the Girls’ Education programme by matching donations up to US$150,000 through 31 May 2012.

“This partnership offers young people the fundamental literacy and life skills to succeed in school and beyond,” said Jennifer Silberman, vice president, corporate responsibility, Hilton Worldwide. “As a leading global hospitality company and employer with more than 3,800 hotels around the world, preparing young people for the future is vital to our success as a company. Room to Read has been recognised by international development experts for its innovative approach to providing quality education, and through its work, millions have the potential to be lifted out of poverty.”

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