Schools that serve poor students in developing countries often lack even the most basic infrastructure. Students sit at simple desks, which in many cases must be purchased by the students themselves. Schools lack libraries, and classrooms lack textbooks so students must copy all material off of a chalkboard. Teachers are often poorly trained and unprepared to teach their overflowing classes.

One important way that Global Education Fund works to improve the access to education for children living in poverty is through its Literacy Tools and Training (LiTT) Program, which is designed to improve the educational infrastructure in schools and other centers of community learning.

Since 1998 GEF has established nearly one hundred libraries in orphanage homes, schools and community centers. In many of the countries where GEF works, children’s books are practically non-existent. By establishing libraries, we are creating a culture of reading for children who have never had a book of their own. Our libraries are stocked with carefully selected books in local language or English, depending on the preference of our local partners. In many GEF libraries, orphans and vulnerable children can enjoy story hour, tutoring and literacy support. GEF libraries are a cost effective investment, utilizing donated books, volunteer labor and low-cost shipping and providing books that are read and enjoyed for years by hundreds of children.

In addition, GEF partners with local publishers to supply country specific textbooks. By providing local textbooks, we ensure that the curriculum is relevant and appropriate. GEF has supplied thousands of textbooks to children in the following countries: Colombia, Thailand, Kenya, Honduras, Guatemala, India, Nicaragua, and Peru.

To maximize the positive effect of new books in the educational program, GEF helps provides training workshops for librarians through partnerships with textbook publishers and other non-profits. In Kenya, GEF has worked with McMillan Kenya to train teachers and school leaders from over fifty schools.

Click on the highlighted countries below to read more.