Rural change, led by rural communities
READ — Rural Education and Action Development — is a non-profit founded in 1994, working with the poorest families across Ariyalur, Perambalur and Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu. Guided by our motto Unite · Serve · Strengthen, we run nine connected programmes spanning education, women’s livelihoods, child protection, health and the environment.
Our Vision
A just society practising the democratic values of equity, participation, inclusion and self-reliance — achieved through education that reaches every rural family.
Read more →Our Mission
To empower the impoverished and marginalised by strengthening community-based organisations and building lasting local capacity.
Read more →From one man’s resolve to a movement
READ came into existence in 1994. It was started by Dr. READ Selvam, who grew up in Andimadam and was inspired to build an organisation that would help and empower the people of his own community. It began as a voluntary organisation founded by a group of committed social workers, registered under the Societies Registration Act, and later under the FCRA to receive foreign contributions.
From a handful of village self-help groups, READ has grown into four schools, hundreds of women’s self-help groups, a child-protection network, HIV/AIDS care, and environmental work — always with the same belief: that lasting change is owned and led by the community itself.
Three decades, measured
WatchDr. READ Selvam
Founder Secretary
A son of Andimadam who turned his commitment to his community into a lifelong mission. Under his leadership, READ is governed by a Management Committee of local volunteers and recognised as a District Resource Centre, a National Trust local committee, and a Special Olympics district coordinator.
Registered, transparent, accountable
READ has been an open and accountable organisation since 1994, publishing annual reports every year.
Join us in writing the next chapter
Your support reaches every one of our programmes. Every gift is 80G tax-deductible.
Donate Now