non-profit Room to Read: sustainable development or an ineffective short-term project?

Two factors that need to be evaluated in order to assess the effectiveness of this seemingly amazing non-profit organization, are its purpose and motive, and its objectives. ‘The Faith of Baha’u'llah does not harbour people who are egotistical and seek to glorify themselves. Its hallmark is servitude and the standard it demands is sincerity and purity of motive.’ (Adib Taherzadeh) It is evident that our Faith places great emphasis on such values. But what is the purpose and motive of Room to Read? Is it yet another NGO that seeks to ‘alleviate the sufferings and ills of men for a short time’? Does it promote symptomatic therapy which will ultimately prolong the suffering of mankind?

It is true that none but the Baha’is can ‘lay the foundation of a new spiritual Order’, based on the Word of God and the Teachings of the Baha’i Faith. But this same Faith also promotes universal education. ‘Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can alone cause it to reveal its treasures and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.’ And an organization that selflessly makes education available to such large numbers of children, secures their literacy and inevitably their future, and thus makes them ever more capable agents for the advancement of civilization, undoubtedly has the right purpose. Its purity of motive becomes apparent through the dedication and selflessness of its volunteers, and its great success in achieving its goals (as described in my last post).

‘It was founded on the belief that education is crucial to breaking the cycle of poverty and taking control of one’s life.’ And it has developed a wonderful strategy for addressing the lack of educational opportunities for children in developing countries. To increase the likelihood of long-term sustainability, they enlist community involvement and co-investment. Their challenge grants require villages who request a school or library to raise a significant portion of the overall expenditure for building a new school, or by providing the labour for construction. This creates a sense of ownership in the communities, and Room to Read remains as a catalyst without any necessity for future intervention. Is it not this same sense of ownership that we Baha’is seek to create in our communities to foster a vigorous Institute Process? This non-profit has realized that same need and has successfully developed a solution.

It furthermore emphasises the education of females, by providing scholarships for under-privileged young girls. These scholarships are long-term, and give the child the opportunity to be trained for her future tasks. The Baha’i Writings state: It ‘would do well to consider giving first priority to the education of women and girls, since it is through educated mothers that the benefits of knowledge can be most effectively and rapidly diffused throughout society.’