If anything can cure the ills of humanity and make the world a better place to live, it will transpire from the ideas and inspirations that are found in books. Literacy is the means by which our potential as humans is founded. Books are narratives that open the door to depths of our personal self that cannot be found any other way. They do so by expanding our minds to rich new possibilities teaching art to our soul.

Tragically, millions of children in the developing world are unable to access the power which is found through reading. The educational opportunities are unavailable in many areas and many grow up lacking the literacy needed to enjoy the benefits of reading.

In 2000 former Microsoft executive John Wood founded the organization Room to Read after a trip to Nepal where he came to understand the lack need for more resources and financial support among the education system. The people he encountered on this journey touched his life as he came to know the strength of their spirit and warmth of their hearts. He also realized the scope in which illiteracy was present and how the world could be empowered by teaching literacy. Since then Room to Read has built over 800 schools and 7,500 libraries and changed the lives of countless students around the world.

This holiday season you can partner with The Financial Times to be a part of this impact. Recently The Financial Times has announced collaboration with Room to Read and several corporate sponsors for their 2009-2010 seasonal appeal. Between November 2009 and mid-January 2010 all donations you give will be matched. This appeal aims to provide 150,000 books to children and provide library access to 11,000 communities by the end of 2010 and boost the long-term goal of helping 10,000 children in developing countries by 2020.

Frederick Douglass once said “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free”. This Christmas season help millions of children experience the freedom that is found in books. Your donation could change a life forever.