"Books For A Better Tomorrow"
The ambition behind "Books for a Better Tomorrow" is to provide free and easy access to literature for those of us who may not have it, or may be less fortunate. Through established and the creation of more free library book boxes, especially in low-income communities; and through donations to care facilities, schools, community centers, children hospitals, giveaways and etc. the JES Avanti Foundation hopes to aid in this change. Every home deserves a book, and every child deserves a chance at a better life.
One of the most significant factors for influencing a child's early educational success is the introduction to books and being read to at home prior to beginning school. Having books in the home is said to be twice as important as a parent's education level, and it is in fact one of the only measures that significantly correlates with children's reading scores.
The number of books in the home correlates significantly with higher reading scores for children, but a shocking 61% of low-income families have no books at all in their homes for children. And an even higher 80% of preschool and after-school programs serving low-income populations have no age appropriate books for their children.
Middle-income neighborhoods have a ratio of books per child of 13 to 1; in low-income neighborhoods, the ratio is 1 age-appropriate book for every 300 children. Because of this 37% of children will arrive at kindergarten without the skills necessary to succeed. Half of children coming from low-income communities start first grade 1-2 years behind their peers.