💝 ご寄付のお願い
「Celebrating 25 Years of Impact ～ルーム・トゥ・リード25周年 感謝の会～」は、いつもルーム・トゥ・リードの活動へのあたたかいご支援とご協力をいただいております皆さまへの感謝の気持ちを込めてご招待という形で開催いたします。ささやかなご用意となりますが、当日は皆さまと心温まるひとときを過ごせましたら幸いです。
ご寄付は登録ページまたは当日の会場にて承ります。任意ではございますが、世界中の子どもたちの識字教育と女子教育（ジェンダー平等）の推進のためにお力添えいただけましたら幸いです。
ルーム・トゥ・リードを継続的に支援してくださっている学生団体 STUDY FOR TWO のメンバーが、この夏スリランカの小学校を訪問し、現地の様子を報告してくれました！
STUDY FOR TWOは、大学生が使い終えた教科書を回収・再販売し、その収益でアジア・アフリカの子どもたちの教育を支援する団体です。コロナ禍を経て数年ぶりのスタディーツアーでは、授業の見学や子どもたちとの交流を通して、教育支援の意義を改めて学ぶ機会となりました。
STUDY FOR TWOから届いた『スリランカスタディツアー訪問記』を、原文のまま掲載させていただきます。
スリランカスタディツアー訪問記 NPO法人 STUDY FOR TWO 参加メンバー 一同
2025年8月24日（日）～26日（火）の日程で、私たち NPO法人 STUDY FOR TWOのメンバー5名は、ルーム・トゥ・リード様が支援プログラムを行っているスリランカの現地小学校を訪問させていただきました。この訪問記は、メンバー自身が今回のスタディツアーで感じ、学んだことをまとめたものになります。現地でのメンバーの学び、活動の様子を感じていただけますと幸いです。
ルーム・トゥ・リードより、感謝を込めて：
STUDY FOR TWO様からは、毎年の教科書販売を通したご寄付に加え、今年はクラウドファンディングを通じて、50名分の子ども１年間の識字教育に相当するご支援をお預かりしました。日本中の大学生の熱意、そしてその想いを支えてくださる皆さまのお力添えに、心より感謝申し上げます。
Let us introduce you to two university students, Pruvi Bajracharya and Claire Ozeki, who are actively contributing as remote volunteers at Room to Read Japan since April 2024.
プルビ バジラチャリア Purbi Bajracharya 出身地：ネパール (カトマンドゥ) 住んでいる所：大分県別府市 在籍大学：立命館アジア太平洋大学（日本）、国際関係を専攻 Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal Current residence: Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, Japan University: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (Japan), majoring in International Relations
Q and A: 1. Room to Readをどのようにして知りましたか？また、組織の活動に参加しようと思ったきっかけは何ですか？ How did you first discover Room to Read, and what drew you to join the organization’s cause?
I had known about room to read for a while as I read their publications as a child. I reached out to them a while ago to ask whether they had any open volunteer positions, but I only started working with them recently. They reached out to me for some translation work from my native language to English and Japanese and I was more than happy to help. Ive been working with them since then and it’s been an amazing journey.
2.あなたの一般的な役割/タスクは何ですか？ What are your roles/tasks in general?
私は東京マラソンの運営サポート通し、主に世界中のランナーとメールやオンラインコールを通じてコミュニケーションを取っています。また、ルーム・トゥ・リードの公式SNSチャンネルの運営にも携わっています。それに加え、日本語から英語、そして英語から日本語への翻訳サポートも行っています。
I have been working in the Tokyo Marathon 2025 recruitment department where I mostly communicate with Runners from all around the world through emails and online calls. I also work for the official SNS channels of room to read. Along with this I also support translations from Japanese to English and vice versa.
3.Room to Readでの活動を通じて、あなたはどのようなことを学びましたか？ What is something you have learned through your time at Room to Read?
私はルーム・トゥ・リードでの経験を通じて、協力が重要であることを学びました。日本オフィスのチームは大きくはありませんが、全てのメンバーがNGOの目標を支持することに専念しています。インターンシップにおいて、私の主な業務は世界中の人々と会って話すことだったため、コミュニケーションの重要性も学んだと思います。
Through my time here at Room to Read, I have learned that collaboration is key. Even though the team here in the Japan office is small, all the members are committed to upholding the goals of the NGO. I believe I have learned the importance of communication through the volunteer as my tasks mainly revolved around meeting and talking to people from all around the world.
4.Room to Readの一員であることで、最も楽しんでいることは何ですか？ Room to Readへの参加について、結びのメッセージをお願いします。 What do you enjoy most about being part of Room to Read? Segway into ending message about joining room to read
I had an amazing experience talking to runners from around the world and listening to their stories of why they are interested in collaborating with us. Room to read has impacted my life and knowing that there are people out there who have also been impacted by the NGO was a full circle moment for me.
Being able to give back to an NGO that was a part of my childhood means so much to me and I am honored to be a small part of this family. I hope that the work and skills I have developed through my time here will help me create an impact on society and help those in need. This is a great platform for students and professionals of a kind who want to give back to society and make a change.
尾関クレアClaire Ozeki 出身地：東京 住んでいる所：ワシントンD.C. 在籍大学：ジョージタウン大学（アメリカ）政府経済学を専攻 Hometown: Tokyo Current residence: Washington, D.C. University: Georgetown University (United States), majoring in Government and Economics
Q and A: 1. Room to Readをどのようにして知りましたか？また、組織の活動に参加しようと思ったきっかけは何ですか？ How did you first discover Room to Read, and what drew you to join the organization’s cause?
This past summer, I looked into many different nonprofit organizations in Tokyo with the hope of finding a meaningful group to get involved with. Room to Read was the organization that immediately stood out to me. Books and reading have always motivated my own learning, and I strongly believe that all children should be able to read and have the right to an education.
2.あなたの一般的な役割/タスクは何ですか？ What are your roles/tasks in general?
I mainly support communication within the Room to Read community by translating organization reports, picture books, and letters from students and program facilitators around the world. I’m also in the works of planning a future fundraiser for Room to Read Japan in DC!
3.Room to Readでの活動を通じて、あなたはどのようなことを学びましたか？ What is something you have learned through your time at Room to Read?
My time at Room to Read has allowed me to gain deeper insight into the problems of educational disparity and illiteracy. The letters I translate from supporters and members around the world reveal the most incredible stories of resilience and creativity, and really make clear what it is we are fighting for.
4.Room to Readの一員であることで、最も楽しんでいることは何ですか？ Room to Readへの参加について、結びのメッセージをお願いします。 What do you enjoy most about being part of Room to Read? Segway into ending message about joining room to read
The bright and committed community of Room to Read is inspirational. Everyone I have had the chance to interact with, from members of the Tokyo office to the runners, are deeply passionate about this organization and its cause. I am continuously learning so much from the people around me. I am honored to be able to contribute and support this community in any way I can, and truly believe Room to Read is an amazing group to get involved in for those passionate about making a positive impact on the world.
Room to Read Japan is looking for passionate volunteers and volunteer supporters to assist in the following areas throughout the year.
Volunteers who commit to a certain period will be provided with a Room to Read email address and relevant training. Would you like to gain hands-on experience as a member of an international education organization in a flexible working environment? We look forward to hearing from you!
■ Example Tasks: ・Support for the Tokyo Marathon Charity Runner program ・Social media management (Facebook, X, Instagram, blog) ・Translation and proofreading of web content ・Design support using Canva ・Event operations and various other activities
■ Requirements: ・Available for 5–10 hours of work per week ・Responsible and self-motivated ・Able to work remotely with access to the internet and a personal computer ・Comfortable working in an English-speaking environment Please note: This is an unpaid position.
■ How to Apply: Please send the following documents via email: ・CV or résumé ・Brief statement of interest/motivation (any format is welcome)
Room to Read Japan participated as a beneficiary organization in the Tokyo Marathon 2025, which took place on March 2nd (Sunday)! The Tokyo Marathon, captivating runners worldwide as part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, saw approximately 38,000 participants. Among them, 164 individuals from 21 countries resonated with Room to Read’s mission and designated it as their charity of choice, participating as charity runners.
During the Tokyo Marathon 2025 EXPO (February 27th to March 1st) and on the day of the event, we were grateful to receive support from employees of multiple sponsoring companies. Alongside a team of 47 volunteer supporters, we warmly welcomed charity runners and cheered them on with loud voices. Under clear skies, the race commenced at 9:10 a.m. from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, with runners embarking on the 42.195km journey, each step filled with their own aspirations.
In this charity run, participants engaged in various fundraising methods, including direct donations, matching contributions from corporations, and utilizing Room to Read’s crowdfunding system, all directed towards supporting education for children in low-income communities. As a result, we exceeded our initial goal of funding educaiton for 8,000 children, collecting donations equivalent to supporting education for over 10,000 children! We extend our heartfelt gratitude for everyone’s support.
東京マラソン2025 チャリティEXPOの様子（2月27日～3月1日） Tokyo Marathon 2025 Charity EXPO held from Feb. 27 – Mar. 1
ランナー登録、アスリートビブスの受け取りのために訪れたランナーのほか、一般来場者を含めて多くの来場者をチャリティブースでお迎えしました。
In addition to runners who came to register and pick up their bibs, more than 60,000 people, including general visitors, came to the event! We welcomed them at our charity booth.
3月1日（金）皇居ラン / March 1st (Fri.) Imperial Palace Run
アライアンスパートナー企業様のマラソンチームのリードで、皇居ラン！歓迎のスピーチにランナーは感激、ランの後は交流もしたそうです！
Under the leadership of our alliance partner companies’ marathon team, we embarked on a run around the Imperial Palace! The runners were deeply moved by the welcome speech and enjoyed interacting after the run.
3月2日（日）沿道応援の様子 / March 2nd (Sun.) Cheering on the way
Tokyo Marathon Foundation
ランナーにとって一番苦しいといわれる、両国～田町（27Km～37Km）地点、そしてフィニッシュエリアで、ボランティアサポーターが応援にかけつけました！
応援の声にたくさんのランナーが応え、ハイタッチも！
Volunteer supporters came to cheer the runners on at the Ryogoku – Tamachi (27Km – 37Km) point, which is said to be the most challenging section for the runners, and of course, at the finish area! Many runners responded to the cheers, exchanging high-fives!
走行後のチャリティランナーをお迎えしました！今回は、ご家族やご友人が集まるミートポイントとしても活用され、多くの方々がランナーのゴールを祝福しました。
On Sunday, March 2, we welcomed charity runners after their race at the Charity Lounge in Tokyo International Forum! This time, the lounge also served as a meeting point for family and friends, bringing together many people to celebrate the runners’ finish.
世界中のチャリティランナーの皆様、ありがとうございました！
Thank you very much for your wonderful run!
Room to Read Japan will continue to participate as a beneficiary organization for the Tokyo Marathon 2026 Charity, scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 1, 2026! For any inquiries or questions regarding this, please feel free to contact Room to Read Japan at japan@roomtoread.org.
（日本語版はこちら） Ricardo Ernst is a professor at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He is also one of Room to Read’s most significant fundraisers for the Tokyo Marathon. An avid runner, he initially joined the marathon to complete the six Abbott World Marathon Majors. This led him to explore possible charity organizations to run for, and Room to Read captured his attention immediately as one that resonated with him. As a longtime professor, he strongly believes in the importance of education and teaching children to read. Professor Ernst officially joined our cause last year; he raised the donation equivalent to literacy education for 200 children for the 2024 marathon and is in the process of doing so again this year. We recently asked him to share his thoughts on his running and fundraising success.
How did you become so passionate about running?
I began running later in life after I moved to the United States from Venezuela and saw everyone around me going on runs. “Running is a challenge to yourself with yourself.” I slowly built my way up to trying out international marathons, and now I have run 19 marathons in total and have finished 5 of the 6 Abbott Marathons.
That’s great! Do you have any advice for those new to running/marathons?
Running is all mental and about endurance. You need to set personal targets and challenge yourself. My advice is to push yourself to go for the run in the moment. It’s so easy to put it off for another day, but you’ll come back from the run feeling great. To me, “running is an incredible personal reward.” It’sa great way of staying healthy and exploring new places and countries!
As one of our best fundraisers, can you discuss what your fundraising experience was like last year?
“First, I believe it is important to have…passion for what you do.” It was easy for me to write messages to people since I believeso deeply in using education to help people. And when I put the messages up on LinkedIn and Facebook, random people commented, and the money started pouring in. I knewa lot of people from teaching at Georgetown for 37 years; I taught more than 80,000 students! I then began targeting those I knew could donate larger amounts (by sharing more about my passion for what Room to Read does) and was able to convince more and morepeople.
Prof. Ernest’s campaign page. Click to see his progress and support his challenge!
Amazing! What do you see as the key tactics behind your success?
Conviction. “To convince, you need conviction.” You need to have passion for the cause, because your message needs to reach donors “in a very genuine way.” It’s also important to use media outlets. And then, you need to insist. Many people will claim they will support and not follow through, and you can’t let them off the hook. But instead of making the donors feel guilty, you should make them feel happy, so that “they are giving because they feel they’re doing something good…for the world.” Finally, it’s important to set a target. Having a clear goal both motivates you and makes it easier to convince others to contribute.
Although he only recently joined our organization last year, Professor Ernst is deeply committed. Hear about his passion for fundraising for Room to Read in his own words in the video below! Interviewer: Claire Ozeki is an undergraduate student at Georgetown University and an intern at Room to Read Japan.
Your donation to Ricardo Ernst’ page will be an investment in children’s futures. Thank you for your support!
