Muhammad Amin
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” — Dr Seuss
IN a world racing towards artificial intelligence, automation and digital disruption, the simplest and most timeless tool of empowerment remains a book. A single book can ignite curiosity, awaken imagination and transform the trajectory of a child’s life. Yet, millions of children around the world still lack access to this basic gateway to knowledge. It’s time we remind ourselves: no child should be left behind because of the absence of a book. The power of reading: “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” — George R R Martin.
Reading is not just about literacy—it’s about liberation. It empowers children to think critically, communicate clearly and dream boldly. A child who reads learns to question, explore and empathize. Through stories, they discover worlds beyond their own and begin to imagine what could be, not just what is. Research consistently shows that early exposure to books builds vocabulary, strengthens comprehension and enhances emotional intelligence. But beyond data, there’s something magical about watching a child’s eyes light up as they turn the pages of a story that speaks to their heart. “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” — Frederick Douglass
Books bridge the gap: “Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope.” — Kofi Annan. I have always believed that education is the great equalizer. But education begins with reading. It’s the foundation upon which all other learning stands. When we give a child a book, we give them access—access to knowledge, to ideas, to opportunity. Children who read are not just learning words; they are learning to think. They are learning to believe that their voice matters, that their dreams are valid and that they too can shape the future. “Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.” — Jim Rohn. New Horizons: Building a Reading Culture in Pakistan. For the past 28 years, New Horizons has taken this mission to heart. As a leading organization dedicated to educational development, New Horizons has been working passionately to cultivate the habit of reading among children and make quality books accessible to all learners—regardless of background.
Through collaborations with renowned international publishers such as Learning A-Z (USA), Wordbook International, Jump Inc. and DC Canada Education Publishing, New Horizons has introduced engaging reading programs and levelled books that inspire curiosity and comprehension in young minds. Recognizing the importance of early literacy, New Horizons has also taken the initiative to publish and print high-quality Phonics Adventure Series locally, ensuring that affordable and culturally relevant reading materials reach classrooms and homes across the country. Our efforts go beyond distribution — New Horizons actively supports schools in setting up reading corners, libraries and teacher training programs, empowering educators to nurture a lifelong love for books. Whether through promoting digital literacy tools or printed reading materials, the organization’s core belief remains steadfast: every child deserves a book that opens their mind and heart to learning.
A collective responsibility: “There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” — Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Ensuring a book for every child is not just a slogan—it’s a shared responsibility. It calls upon educators, parents, policymakers and communities to join hands. In Pakistan and across the globe, many children still sit in classrooms without access to quality reading materials. Some have never owned a book of their own. We must change that. Through school libraries, community book drives, public-private partnerships and locally published literacy initiatives like those led by New Horizons, we can make a lasting impact. A single book placed in a child’s hand today can inspire a lifetime of learning tomorrow. “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” — Emilie Buchwald The vision: No one left behind: “If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.” — Martin Luther. When we talk about inclusion and equity in education, we must start with access to reading. Because when a child can read, they can learn anything, anywhere, anytime.
Our collective mission should be simple yet powerful: A Book for Every Child — So No One Is Left Behind. Let’s build a generation that reads with passion, thinks with purpose and leads with empathy. Because every great leader, every great thinker and every great innovator was once a child who opened a book—and found their world transformed. “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” — Ernest Hemingway “Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” — Mason Cooley. Let’s invest not just in technology, but in the timeless power of words. Let’s place books in classrooms, libraries and homes. Let’s inspire a reading culture that crosses every boundary of class, gender and geography. Because when every child holds a book, every child holds a chance.
—The writer is Managing Director – New Horizons – almost 40 years in the educational business, promoting digital learning and lifelong growth.
