Hilton to help fund Asian education
Hilton Worldwide has formed a new three-year partnership with Room to Read – a non-profit organization focused on improving literacy and gender equality in education.
The partnership supports Room to Read’s education programmes in South and Southeast Asia, and aims to reach more than 2,000 young people in the first phase. In addition, Hilton will support Room to Read’s annual fundraising campaign promoting the Girls’ Education programme by matching donations up to US$150,000.
“This partnership offers young people the fundamental literacy and life skills to succeed in school and beyond,” said Jennifer Silberman, Hilton’s Vice President of Corporate Responsibility. “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.”
“Room to Read is thrilled to partner with Hilton Worldwide to ensure that young people in South and Southeast Asia have equal access to education. It is a pleasure to work with a global company that is committed to investing in the enrichment of the local communities where it does business,” said Erin Ganju, Room to Read’s CEO and co-founder.
Hilton Worldwide’s support of Room to Read began in India in January 2012, and the initial funding will support the establishment of 30 new school libraries over the next three years, the enrolment of more than 75 girls in the Girls’ Education programme, and the publication of six local language children’s books over the next three years, which will be distributed to Room to Read’s network of libraries and NGO partners throughout India.
The first 10 new libraries will be established in Delhi this year.
Hilton is also expanding its partnership with Room to Read to support the Girls’ Education programmes in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.