“During my first ‘Book Festival’, I arrived and I won’t sugarcoat it, I secretly cried my eyes out. I saw children standing in line, ready to start class in torn, old, dirty clothing and many of them with no shoes. This broke my heart in many places. I felt so overprivelleged to have the option to eat delicious foods, wear beautiful clothes, travel to lovely places and it made me extremely sad. Of course I had to hide my meltdown as we were there to read these beautiful kids story books and teach them a little English. I could continue writing about how awfully saddening the initial experience was but you’ve given me your time and I want to spend it wisely.”

Pooja, Assistant Merchandiser from London, UK (Feb. 2021)