Ready to Learn
Hands that help the classroom.

Ready to Learn (R2L) is a statewide initiative that provides needy students from kindergarten through high school with new pencils, pens, notebooks and other classroom supplies with an intended outcome of school readiness.

R2L is a simple project with a big goal - to provide Hawaii's needy children with the basic school supplies and give them a "jump-start" on learning.

Some of our students would rather skip classes than return to school with the same used binders and backpacks from last year. They feel ashamed for having to go without the basic supplies or for not having the "in" things and oftentimes have to endure constant ridicule from their peers. Continued blows to a child's self-esteem can be devastating, and once a child gives up on school, our social problems are just beginning. No child should have to go without the basic supplies that would make their educational experience worthwhile and productive.

Co-chaired by U.S. Senator and Mrs. Daniel K. Inouye, Ready to Learn serves an average of 25,000 Hawai'i school children each year. Based on the unique and inherent ability of Hawai'i's people to willingly share available resources, R2L operates entirely on community contributions and is run by a cadre of dedicated volunteers.

To receive supplies from R2L, public and private social service agencies submit applications for their clients based on verified needs. These applications are filled by R2L on a first-come, first-served basis. At the end of each program year, remaining donations are offered in bulk shipments to schools and organizations in those areas that serve low-income families. R2L primarily operates as a seasonal program and is largely dependent on contributions from major corporate sponsors.

In addition to individual requests, R2L bulk shipments are made to a wide range of schools on the islands of Oahu, Hawai'i, Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kauai.

As with all Helping Hands Hawai'i programs, Ready to Learn actively promotes volunteerism. For more information on our services and how you can help with a gift of your time, talents, financial generosity, or gifts-in-kind, call: 536-7234