PANAJI
The Rachel Foundation’s ‘Books for All’ project, an initiative founded by young Goan literacy advocate Rachel Dias (11) presently based in Dubai, concluded its book donation partnership with the Philippine Normal University (PNU), marking a meaningful contribution to the university’s 125th Founding Anniversary.
The initiative, which aims to support children and community schools across Manila, has completed the delivery and turnover of its donated books to PNU. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to reading materials and fostering a culture of literacy among Filipino learners.
The partnership was coordinated by Dr Voltaire M. Villanueva, Associate Dean of the Faculty of General Education and Experiential Learning (FGEEL); Dr Jeffrey C. Ginez, Head of the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL); and Dr Vicky Delos Santos, Practice Teaching Coordinator.
The event brought together a youth-led international literacy initiative and the country’s premier teacher education institution in a collaborative effort to promote reading and support community-based learning.
The ‘Books for All’ project gained momentum over the past year, collecting hundreds of children’s books from families, schools, and community donors across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The collected books were shipped to Manila by sea and have since been received by PNU.
According to PNU, the donated books are being integrated into the university’s literacy programmes and initiatives, including activities at a community centre serving children with limited access to educational resources.
Pre-service teachers are using the materials in reading sessions, enrichment activities, and classroom support initiatives, allowing the donation to contribute directly to meaningful teaching and learning experiences.
University officials recognised the partnership as a valuable addition to PNU’s anniversary celebrations. As the National Center for Teacher Education, PNU has long championed literacy, teacher preparation, and community engagement.
In this context, the ‘Books for All’ initiative serves as a fitting tribute to the university’s 125-year legacy of advancing education and extending its impact beyond the campus.
For the Rachel Foundation, the initiative goes beyond providing books; it seeks to inspire children to read, imagine, discover, and explore new possibilities through learning.
“Our mission is simple—to place books in the hands of children who need them most,” the Foundation stated.
“We are honoured to have supported PNU during this milestone year and to contribute to its vision of empowering communities through education.”
With the book donation phase now complete, the Rachel Foundation is preparing for its next steps, including a proposed visit to the Philippines. The planned visit may include literacy activities, the establishment of a small community library, and the expansion of partnerships with schools and educational organisations.
The completion of the ‘Books for All project’ stands as a testament to the power of youth leadership, international collaboration, and a shared commitment to education.
More than a collection of donated books, the initiative represents an investment in children’s imagination, learning, and future opportunities.
Rachel Dias founded the Rachel Foundation in May 2023 to channel her creative inclinations into social good. Through its Books for All initiative, the Foundation has undertaken literacy projects in Goa, other parts of India, Mauritius, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, the UK, and the Philippines, collaborating with schools, community organisations, and charitable institutions to improve children's access to books and encourage a lifelong love of reading.
Her upcoming books for all projects are in Africa—Cameroon, Zimbabwe and South Africa—and a second one in Philippines in November.
Rachel is the author of the book ‘Rose never gives up’, published by Bribooks, which was released at Sharjah International Book Fair in November 2024.
She was honoured with the prestigious GESS Education Award 2025 in the UAE in the Community Award for Citizenship category, in recognition of her efforts to promote literacy and community engagement through her initiative, the ‘Books for All’ project, under the Rachel Foundation.
Incidentally, Rachel and her twin brother, Troy, are award-winning swimmers who hail from Margao and are presently studying in a British school in Dubai.
Their father, Terrence, played cricket for Goa, while their mother, Remy, was a former teacher at Manovikas School in Margao.
