Let’s read!
My Very Own Library
In the Dominican Republic, less than 30% of third graders can differentiate between simple words. Only 4% read at or above grade level.
Our Solution
Greater access to reading materials at home improves educational attainment. We partner with the University of Chicago to implement the My Very Own Library (MVOL) initiative that focuses on improving literacy skills while promoting a culture of reading at home. DREAM hosts three book fairs annually for preschool and primary school students and their families.
Take a look at an MVOL Book Fair!
Each year, young readers choose ten books from more than 20,000 book options to create their very own library!
Why a home library
Home libraries with at least 20 books are proven help create a culture of reading and learning at home and contribute to educational outcomes across three categories: literacy, numeracy and communication skills. Families with at least 80 books in the home can increase literacy levels, allowing students and adults to read at the appropriate level for their age. Books in the home also help students, especially from low-income families, avoid learning loss over the summer months. A lack of reading resources at home often results in a three-month achievement gap between students from low- and high-income families.
Every year, over 2,000 students participate in three interactive book fairs across six different sites along the North Coast.
What our community is saying:
“Thanks to the MVOL book fair, I have a whole library at home, and I can read whenever I want! …Reading is my favorite pastime…”
— Crismeily Nuñez
“DREAM book fairs have helped me tremendously. Thanks to MVOL, my three children have books to learn from home.”
— Miriam Núñez
