Early reading challenges can shape a child’s future. Research shows that students who struggle with reading by age 6 or 7 face a higher risk of dropping out of school later in life.

Since 2023, United Way Turks and Caicos’ Yes I Can Read program has supported more than 255 children ages 7–8 who are performing below grade level through personalized instruction that builds foundational reading skills.

“Through both in-school and afterschool support, these sessions are nurturing confidence, independence, and a lifelong love for reading,” says Claudine Ewing, CEO of United Way Turks and Caicos. “With the dedication of skilled educators, passionate volunteers, and personalized learning plans, students are making remarkable strides, reading independently, thriving in the classroom, and dreaming bigger than ever before.”

The Yes I Can Read program is yielding tangible results for participating students, including multiple Honor Roll placements recognizing academic excellence, student improvement awards highlighting personal growth and progress, and a 100% student transition rate from elementary school to middle school.

Literacy is more than a skill – it’s a gateway to opportunity. With every page turned, these children are rewriting their stories and stepping into a future filled with possibility.