The Issue
Literacy is defined as “the ability to utilise information related to social life and to understand, use, and comprehend reading to acquire and develop personal knowledge and the potential to play a role in a particular community” (Rusydiyah and Tamin, 2023). Unfortunately, the standard of education that many children around the world receive does not meet this definition. Language barriers, low access to books, low reading engagement and early literacy gaps, especially for children from less privileged backgrounds, continue to be a significant obstacle to providing adequate literacy engagement for children worldwide.
How We Help
Though we cannot single-handedly solve regional literacy inequality, we’re committed to doing what we can with the resources we have access to. Pass the Page is a student-led initiative that collects and distributes gently used books, while also promoting youth advocacy, community reading, and storytelling in some regions within South East Asia.
We also promote a culture of reading and storytelling through:
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Hosting writing competitions for primary students to spark creativity and expression.
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Organising author visits and student-led storytelling sessions in schools.
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Raising awareness through posts, and social media about book inequality.
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Partnering with shelters and NGOs to bring reading into everyday spaces — not just classrooms.
As students in Singapore, where access to reading resources is abundant, we believe we are in a strong position—and have a responsibility—to support children in our community and those around us where such access is limited. For more information, look to our “Project” section on this website to see what we have done.
If there’s one thing we’ve learnt from starting this initiative – it’s that making a difference always starts from the small things. Here’s how you can help promote literacy and make an impact in your own community, wherever that may be:
What You Can Do To Help in Your Communities?
1. Start a Mini-Book Drive:
Collect gently used books from your family, friends or school and donate them to a shelter, community library, or children’s help centre. If you are in Singapore, The Salvation Army or (Pass the Page’s own collection initiative) might be a good place to start.
3. Be A Reading Role Model:
Sometimes, the best way to inspire others to read is to show how much you enjoy it yourself. Carry a book; talk about what you’re reading; make reading visible!
2. Read with Someone Younger:
Whether its a sibling, friend, or fellow community member, reading aloud is a great way to promote reading engagement while also building closer bonds. The Singapore Government offers many opportunities to read to kids, including the kidsREAD Programme, or the Read! Fest Singapore which are easy to participate in if you are interested.
4. Support US!!
Got something to share about literacy? Tag us at passthepage_official on Instagram and we’ll help spread your message.