Did you know that 58% of global school age population are not attaining minimum proficiency levels in Reading and Math? That amounts to 357 million children. Of these 137 million children will reach the last grade of school and still not reach the minimum proficiency levels. The percentages are much higher for low income countries as opposed to high income countries. 

In this episode we celebrate Erin Ganju, Managing Director of Echidna Giving Fund, which invests in organizations advancing girls’ education in lower-income countries. Prior to her role at Echidna Giving, Erin turned a bold idea for advancing literacy and gender equality into an international NGO: Room to Read. Erin was a Co-Founder, former Chief Executive Officer, former Chief Operating Officer, and currently remains an Emeritus Board Member of Room to Read. During her tenure, Room to Read helped over 12 million children in 15 countries pursue a quality education. Room to Read seeks to transform the lives of millions of children in low-income communities by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. Working in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations and governments, they develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children, and support girls to complete secondary school with the relevant life skills to succeed in school and beyond. Erin co-authored Scaling Global Change: A Social Entrepreneur’s Guide to Surviving the Start-up Phase and Driving Impact. The book is a how-to guide for social entrepreneurs who have a vision to change the world and need a strong organizational foundation to do it, utilizing Room to Read as an organizational case study. 

Erin was selected as the World Economic Forum’s Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur (2014); recognized as a Global Impact Featured Member for 2017 by the Young Presidents’ Organization; and awarded the Women’s Bond Club Isabel Benham Award (2014). We talk about her journey starting up, learnings from across different countries and some insights on balancing scale and depth (quality). 

Note - Conversation recorded over Zoom. For all podcast requirements write to reachus@disorientedpenguin.com. For any feedback and suggestions write to anewkindofcelebrity@gmail.com

#education #reading #literacy #roomtoread #scale #leadership #nonprofit #organisations