Causes: Education, Elementary & Secondary Schools, Libraries, Literacy, Remedial Reading & Encouragement

Mission: Hands Across the Sea is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization dedicated to raising the literacy levels of Caribbean children through transformative school and community library programs.

Results: As of the 2020 school year, Hands has reached over 140,000 children on the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines with over half-a-million new books, mentorship programs and literacy initiatives. Hands has helped create or rejuvenate over 873 school and 50 community libraries and is focused on long-term sustainability of libraries and instilling a love of reading in children’s and families’ lives.

Target demographics: children read

Direct beneficiaries per year: 45,000+ students at 800+ schools

Geographic areas served: Eastern Caribbean

Programs: Hands Across the Sea's Caribbean Literacy and School Support (CLASS) Program and Preschool Program put children's literacy front and center. Our literacy experts work directly with students, educators, and school administrators to deliver literacy initiatives and reading programs that are changing the lives of thousands of children each year. Because of Hands Across the Sea's commitment, over 167,000 children have grown up with access to new, culturally appropriate, relevant books. Local Program Officers are from the communities where they are working - not only are they trusted experts in the community, but they understand how to mobilize and connect services that meet people where they are and make transformation happen.