Room to Read, a global education nonprofit nurturing foundational learning skills in children, held its annual London Gala on September 30 at The Science Museum – bringing together more than 160 guests to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the organisation. The evening celebrated critical supporters across the UK who have played pivotal roles in the growth of Room to Read over the past quarter-century. Since its founding in 2000, Room to Read has invested more than US$1 billion into global education and benefited over 52 million children worldwide by developing children’s literacy and life skills.

The milestone event – themed “THE ROOM: Where every corner offers the promise of a better future” – featured inspiring stories, a live fundraising auction, and powerful performances by The London Youth Choir. Through the efforts of the evening, raised investments will benefit over 24,000 children around the world through Room to Read’s programming.

In her remarks, Room to Read CEO Dr. Geetha Murali said, “Each of these small hands belongs to a child with a story — a story of wonder, of questions for elders and educators of brilliance scribbled in the margins of notebooks. That’s what we’re here to celebrate. Not just numbers, but names. Not just scale, but stories. A mission born 25 years ago with one radical belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children.”

The event, hosted by Room to Read’s UK Regional Board, recognized long-standing supporters from across the UK, and underscored Room to Read’s growing investment in the Africa region, where one in three youth will reside by 2050.

Speakers included Dr. Geetha Murali, Room to Read CEO; Collins Munene, Regional Director for Africa, Room to Read; Laurie McMahon, Chief Development and Communications Officer, Room to Read, and John Lindfors, Room to Read Global Board Chair and Co-founder and Managing Partner, DST Global. Guests included prominent members of the community and supporters from across the globe, including Marley Dias, Yinka Ilori MBE, John Ridding, Tracy Edwards MBE, Jada Sezer, and more.