Imagine being unable to read a medicine label, fill out a job application, or help your child with homework. For millions of children around the world, this is their reality. We’re facing a global literacy crisis, with far-reaching consequences, not just for classrooms, but for health, opportunity, and the strength of entire communities.

Literacy is the foundation of lifelong success. Children who learn to read with confidence are more likely to stay in school, find decent work, and actively participate in shaping their communities. Literacy empowers them to understand the world, advocate for themselves, and dream bigger for their futures. Communities with strong literacy rates see lower dropout rates, stronger economies, and healthier families. Reading unlocks curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, the very skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

At Project Alianza, we believe in meeting children where they are with joyful, supportive learning experiences. When we nurture literacy early on, we don’t just build stronger students—we build stronger communities and brighter futures.

That’s why our approach focuses on teaching at the right level and creating supportive, joyful learning environments where kids feel capable and inspired. By focusing on foundational reading, reinforcing learning at home, and integrating health and safety education, we help rural children build real momentum, not just in school but in life.

But we couldn’t stop there. Many students live in areas without Wi-Fi or electricity, so we developed AnGo, a free, AI-supported literacy app designed for offline use. Co-created with local educators, AnGo uses the same teach-at-the-right-level principles to adapt to each child’s reading ability, while offering culturally relevant stories and teacher-crafted activities. This app bridges the literacy gap by bringing engaging learning directly onto low-cost phones—no internet required.

On International Literacy Day, let’s remember – when children learn to read, they learn to dream, to imagine, and to lead. And that’s something worth celebrating.