English Language Learners / Dual Language Learners / Multicultural Education Support – Language Lizard Blog

SUPPORT GLOBAL LITERACY ON #GIVINGTUESDAYNOW

Today is #GivingTuesdayNow. Language Lizard, a Pledge 1% member, is pleased to continue our support of children’s education initiatives during this challenging time. Learn more about Pledge 1%, Room to Read, and other non-profits that you can support to help children worldwide.

 

Our Pledge 1% Commitment

In celebration of Language Lizard’s 15th anniversary, we took the 1% Pledge. Pledge 1% is a global movement that aims to create a new normal for companies of all sizes, and enable them to have a positive social impact through their businesses. Its aim is to make giving back a priority.

The Pledge 1% commitment is a public promise to provide a specific pledge type or donation combination of profit, product, equity and/or employee time to a designated charity of choice.

Supporting Room to Read

Language Lizard has selected Room to Read as a primary recipient. This is a logical fit since our mission is to support culturally responsive teaching by providing creative and engaging educational products in over 50 languages to schools, libraries, and bilingual families. Our bilingual children’s books and audio resources not only enhance dual-language literacy and promote early language learning, but also teach children about other cultures and traditions, thus helping to build welcoming and inclusive classrooms.

Room to Read is a global, non-profit organization with a local New Jersey chapter. Room to Read focuses on literacy and gender equality in education in 16 countries in Asia and Africa. The New Jersey chapter facilitates events to raise funding and awareness for Room to Read programs, including local language book publishing and support for girls in secondary school.

The Room to Read program conducts writer and illustrator workshops in communities to teach the best practices in children’s storytelling. As a publisher, Language Lizard was drawn to the idea of supporting writers and illustrators throughout the world, and ensuring that culturally relevant books go to children who will learn and be inspired by them.

Nicole Smith, NJ Chapter Leader, says, “We are fortunate to have won the lottery of life by being born into a country and part of a community that values education and enjoys an abundance of resources and immense opportunity. I have devoted the last decade to advocating for the poorest people on the planet to enable opportunity through literacy. Partnering with companies like Language Lizard, that share a commitment to cultural diversity and literacy, is truly transformative.”

Room to Read’s Mission

Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, Room to Read’s innovative model focuses on deep, systemic transformation within schools in low-income communities during two time periods that are most critical in a child’s schooling: early primary school for literacy acquisition, and secondary school for girls’ education. The organization works in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations, and governments to develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children, and ensures girls can complete secondary school with the skills necessary to negotiate key life decisions. Room to Read has benefited 16.8 million children across more than 37,000 communities in 16 countries. Learn more by visiting their website.

During the global pandemic, Language Lizard is supporting Room to Read’s efforts to ensure continuity in education in the face of unprecedented challenges. Room to Read is moving quickly to keep programs and resources accessible, including examining book supply chains and identifying government partners and other local relationships to find ways to get books to children who cannot go to school and visit libraries.

For more information, including photos and videos of Room to Read’s amazing work in developing nations, or to learn more about how to donate, contact Nicole Smith.

Other non-profits that could use your support

Save the Children: Providing meals and books to children in low-income areas in the US and worldwide.

International Rescue Committee: On the front lines saving lives, this organization is addressing the Covid-19 virus in migrant camps and challenging areas worldwide.

Thanks to all educators who are working so hard to keep our children learning during this pandemic! Support them in any way you can.

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