“Those who say it can’t be done are usually interrupted by others doing it.”
— James Baldwin
Our Programs…
Children's Story Time
Baldwin & Co. Foundation hosts children's story time to bring the joy of books to our youngest readers. Every second and fourth Saturday of the month, we read beloved books, sing songs, and share early literacy tips! Story time is structured to show parents and caregivers ways they can help their young children interact with books and develop early literacy skills.
Literacy Tutoring
We host tutoring services to assist students with basic and intermediate reading skills. Weekly sessions include five lessons. Elementary & Middle School tracks help participants become fluent and confident readers, strengthening their reading performance and building communication skills.
Books on Books Festivals
Baldwin & Co. Foundation hosts free community festivals to promote literacy and celebrate the culture of New Orleans. The festivals include a book drive and giveaway for students in grades K-12, live performances, author readings, spoken word, live music, free food and beverages, a vendor market and more.
Literacy, as part of education, is a fundamental human right. It’s an efficient and highly effective means to end extreme poverty. Access to high-quality primary education and support for child well-being are globally-recognized solutions to the cycle of poverty. Yet according to UNESCO there are 781 million illiterate adults (over the age of 15) around the globe. Over 63% of those adults are women.
— Reading more books can reduce poverty.
Baldwin & Co. Foundation works to break the school-to-prison pipeline. Currently only 34% of New Orleans' 3rd graders are reading on grade level. Two-thirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of 4th grade will end up in jail or on welfare. 85% of all juveniles who interface with the juvenile court system are functionally illiterate. According to the National Adult Literacy Survey. 70% of all incarcerated adults cannot read at 4th grade level.
— Reading more books can reduce crime.
Illiteracy comes at a high price. According to the World Literacy Foundation, illiteracy costs the global economy $1.5 trillion dollars annually. Students in low-income countries could escape extreme poverty if they were afforded basic reading skills.
