Ben Wicks' I.Can Foundation

Of the millions of children in the world who do not attend school, nearly 96% live in developing countries. Little Libraries, a program of the I.Can Foundation, was founded on the principle that every child deserves an opportunity to learn to read and write.

The I.Can foundation is pleased and heartened that the underprivileged children who are participating at the Little Libraries program in the Philippines and Brazil are experiencing positive changes in their lives as a result of learning to read and write. We would like to share some of their stories.

Little Libraries student letters

From Cagayan de Oro city, the Philippines - Sto Nino Literacy Center

"I did not even know how to write my name when I began at the Sto Nino Literacy Center. With the help of Teacher Leonor, I learned not only how to write my name but also many other words. I can even write faster now. I am so happy and grateful." Nimpha Bodiongan

"I am very thankful to Teacher Leonor and the rest of the staff and to I.Can as well for giving us the opportunity to go to school. I learned how to read well in Filipino and English. Now that I am enrolled at the East City Central School, I have no difficulty in Reading. " John Kenneth Labadisos

From Fortaleza, Brazil - Biblioteca Mary Mona Kelly

"As Estefani's mom I noticed an improvement in terms of reading ability, because she didn't use to like reading but now she rents books and participates in the activities, she's not as shy as she used to be. Because of the library Estefani now likes the English language, she can count from one to ten in English even when she's sleeping! This is a result of the visit of a Canadian group that came to help the libraries last year. She also develops group work, with the help of the monitors. The library is very important for the community and for the children that make part of the reading mediation. I really want to thank this international group that worries about the education of our children in Brazil." Toinha, mother

"Hi, my name's Jéssica, I am 11 years old and I live on 76 Lorena St., next to the Biblioteca Mary Mona Kelly. I thank my cousin Geizilane for showing me the library. Now that I know the library I go there and I learned how to read and my favorite book is "João e Maria". I love Tia Antônia de Maria, Tia Nilva and Daniel. I've met many people and I love to take part in the video and reading activities. I'm also part of the dance group, with Tia Antônia de Maria. The library is very important to me. Kisses to you all!" Jessica, 11 years old