The Room to Read Organization has opened over 3000 libraries since it's inception in 2000, as well as expanding into publishing local language books, providing computer and language labs, and scholarships to girls; for some of the poorest and most isolated people in the world.
The mission statement for the Room to Read Organization states -
"Room to Read partners with local communities throughout the developing world to establish schools, libraries, and other educational infrastructure. We seek to intervene early in the lives of children in the belief that education is a lifelong gift that empowers people to ultimately improve socioeconomic conditions for their families, communities, countries, and future generations. Through the opportunities that only an education can provide, we strive to break the cycle of poverty, one child at a time."
John Wood has written the book "Leaving Microsoft to Change the World", which was published last August. The book sounds worth reading based on the reviews.
Kathleen Steinley, in her review at Amazon.com, writes -
"This book frees us from the constraints that we perceive when we look at the endless work the world provides to the heart of anyone who values his fellow man. Instead of following the well-paved path that holds that personal satisfaction is attained through greater and greater accumulation of wealth and social stature, Mr. Wood forges his own path in the hopes of making a difference in the lives of children who for lack of basic educational opportunities suffer lives of illiteracy and limited options. He looks at the question to which we all answer that the problem is too big for me to help, and chooses to help anyway. The results are astonishing. Further, he shows how, without stepping off our path, we too can help. Empowering and uplifting. It made me happy every time I sat down to read."
