Learning from aid agency and “good-hearted” private philanthropic mistakes, the READ approach fosters community independence, competence, and empowerment. The organization seeks input from the target population, provides villagers with the resources they need to sustain and grow their projects and operates in a politically and culturally sensitive manner.

READ doesn’t invest in extensive, unnecessary feasibility studies, waste funds on heavy infrastructure, set project timelines that are unrealistic in the context of the local work ethic, or abandon projects before completion.

The READ model maintains flexibility by designating donated funds (restricted and unrestricted) and allocated resources for the highest and best use. READ aligns itself with the cultural tenets of a country and the needs of the citizens in the villages where the library community centers will be built. All contributions are accepted with donor understanding that a percentage of their gift will support the evolution of the countrywide model.