Annual Report 2017
Dear Friends,
There is nothing like a child’s joy when they discover that all the world’s knowledge is available to them because they can read and write. It unlocks the light within and gives them a sense of freedom and opportunity. It compels them to want to learn all they can about our planet – its places, peoples, possibilities, and even problems. It inspires them to keep on learning – whenever they can and for as long as they can – as they strive to make a meaningful contribution to society throughout their lives.
We call this experience “joyful learning”, and we believe it’s something every child deserves. The unfortunate reality is that there are still millions of children worldwide who do not get a chance to learn at all. This is an injustice and an inequality that needs to be addressed. That’s why Luminos exists. We’re here for children like Mary in Liberia and Ahmed in Lebanon, who have faced barriers related to poverty, conflict, and discrimination that have delayed their opportunity to learn.
With your incredible support, however, Luminos has been able to step into the gap and provide a second chance to children like Mary and Ahmed. We are thrilled to be able to work with our dedicated network of implementing partners, committed investors, and thoughtful experts, who have helped bring joyful learning opportunities to life for these children in Ethiopia, Liberia, and Lebanon. Over the next three years, with your help, we will not only expand opportunities in these countries, but also bring joyful learning to children in other locations as well.
The recognition for our programs over the last year has been deeply humbling. We are honored and delighted to have received the WISE Award from the Qatar Foundation and the HundrED Global Innovations Award. It is a tribute to the hard work our children and their learning facilitators have put into their learning. We are so very proud of them!
In the coming years, we want to play a role in improving the information available to education decision-makers, encouraging more collaborative action, facilitating experimentation, and supporting evidence-based systems change as we work together to make joyful learning available to all children.
We look forward to your partnership as we progress in this critical journey. Thanks for your continuing support!
Caitlin Baron
CEO, the Luminos Fund
