GLOBAL VILLAGE

US-based Room to Read is a successful and internationally-recognised non-profit organisation focused on increasing global literacy and gender equality in education – even Michelle Obama is a fan. Room to Read works with local communities, partner organisations and governments to ensure that primary school children can become independent readers and girls can complete secondary school. One such partner is Aqua Expeditions, who has introduced the program on-board the luxurious Aqua Mekong. Guests can take books – printed in the local languages – to needy children in remote communities, visited as part of the vessel’s itinerary. Room to Read has helped 10 million children and their communities to date. roomtoread.org; aquaexpeditions.com