Innovation

Books To Succeed is a nonprofit initiative focused on improving education and social development in South Sudan by increasing access to books and cultivating a culture of reading among young people. The organization was founded by a student who began the project while still in high school after recognizing the lack of accessible educational materials in the region. Rather than focusing solely on building physical school infrastructure, the nonprofit addresses a different but equally important gap: access to literature that encourages curiosity, open-mindedness, and critical thinking. Books To Succeed operates by collecting donated books, purchasing additional educational materials when needed, and establishing libraries where students can freely access literature. The first library began with an initial $1,000 grant that was used to purchase furniture and shelving, with additional funding later supporting book acquisition and expansion.

The organization’s innovation lies in its focus on literature as a tool for peacebuilding and long-term economic development. In regions affected by conflict, access to books can help young people understand perspectives beyond their immediate environment and develop the skills needed to engage with global issues. Through reading programs, writing prompts, and community engagement activities, Books To Succeed encourages students not just to read but to actively think about and discuss the ideas they encounter. This approach aligns closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by promoting literacy, critical thinking, and social awareness among youth.

Ultimately, the organization’s goal is to establish a large public library that serves as a hub for learning and community engagement in South Sudan. By focusing on both access to books and cultivating a lasting culture of reading, Books To Succeed aims to empower the next generation with knowledge, broaden their worldview, and contribute to a more peaceful and economically resilient society.

Inspiration

The founder of Books To Succeed was inspired by a personal passion for reading and the belief that literature can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and social change. The nonprofit originally began as a high school project when the founder started imagining what it would be like to create a library for students who lacked access to books. She explained that the idea began simply: “It started as a project in high school where I thought about how cool it would be to have a library.” What began as an idea soon turned into action after she received the United World College Make A Difference Award, which included a $1,000 grant. She recalled the moment vividly, explaining that her headmaster pulled her out of biology class to tell her she had won the award.

That early funding helped launch the project but also revealed the challenges involved in building a nonprofit from scratch. The founder described realizing that the initial grant could only accomplish so much. “The $1,000 could only buy so many books, so we needed more funding,” she explained. As a result, the first funds were used to purchase furniture and shelves for the library rather than books themselves. Another major challenge involved shipping books to South Sudan, which required additional planning and logistics even after she had already graduated.

Despite these challenges, the founder remained motivated by her core belief that books can help shape how young people understand the world. She emphasized that success is not simply measured by the number of books distributed, but by whether students develop a genuine love for reading. As she explained, “Success to me is when children are interested in reading out of true passion for literature, not just because their classes require it.”

Overall impact

Books To Succeed is a nonprofit initiative created to expand access to books and literacy resources for young people in South Sudan. Founded as a high school project, the organization began with the goal of establishing a small library that would provide students with access to literature they otherwise would not have. The short-term impact of this innovation has been the creation of physical spaces where students can read, explore new ideas, and participate in reading programs. Early funding from the United World College Make A Difference Award helped the founder purchase furniture and shelves for the first library space, while additional donations and book sourcing allowed the organization to begin building a collection of reading materials. In the immediate term, this created a learning environment where students could engage with books outside of formal classroom instruction.

The long-term impact of Books To Succeed focuses on fostering a culture of reading and intellectual curiosity that can influence future generations. By providing access to literature—particularly fiction and educational books—the organization encourages young people to broaden their perspectives and engage with global ideas. Programs that involve reading prompts, discussions, and student writing activities help ensure that the books are actively used rather than simply distributed. Evidence of the initiative’s impact can be seen in students developing a genuine interest in reading and participating in discussions about what they learn from the books. Over time, the founder hopes this approach will support peacebuilding, encourage critical thinking, and help equip young people with knowledge that contributes to economic development and social stability within their communities.

Business benefit

Since its founding, Books To Succeed has grown from a small student project into an expanding nonprofit initiative focused on literacy access in South Sudan. The organization began with a $1,000 grant, which was used to purchase furniture and establish the physical structure of the first library. From there, the nonprofit has relied on multiple sources of funding and support, including book donations, purchases of educational materials from libraries, and funding assistance from programs such as the Veale Institute’s Think. Do. Strive. program. The organization also participated in an accelerator program that helped with administrative processes, registration, and organizational development. Because the nonprofit developed a clear mission focused on literacy and community engagement, it has been able to attract both institutional support and individual donors who believe in the long-term impact of education.

Because the organization created a clear structure for collecting books, establishing libraries, and organizing reading programs, several positive outcomes have occurred. The nonprofit has developed partnerships with individuals and organizations willing to donate books or provide funding, enabling it to expand its library resources. It has also created a sustainable operational model by incorporating weekly reading programs and community involvement, which ensures that the libraries remain active learning environments. In addition, the initiative has opened opportunities for volunteers and supporters to contribute their time and expertise to the project. These developments demonstrate how a small educational idea can grow into a structured nonprofit effort that generates social impact, attracts funding, and builds long-term support for literacy initiatives.

Social and environmental benefit

Books To Succeed continues to grow as a mission-driven initiative aimed at improving educational access and encouraging intellectual curiosity among youth in South Sudan. The organization’s approach is centered on the belief that books can serve as powerful tools for learning, perspective-building, and social change. By focusing on literature rather than only physical school infrastructure, the nonprofit addresses an often overlooked aspect of education: access to ideas and knowledge that encourage independent thinking. Through its libraries and reading programs, Books To Succeed creates opportunities for students to explore literature, discuss important issues, and develop writing and analytical skills. These activities help students become more engaged learners and allow them to express their own perspectives.

Looking forward, the long-term vision of the organization is to expand its reach and establish a larger public library that can serve as a central hub for education and community engagement. The founder believes that encouraging young people to read because they genuinely enjoy it—rather than simply because it is required for school—is key to building a sustainable culture of learning. By continuing to gather books, secure funding, and build partnerships, the nonprofit aims to grow its impact and reach more communities. Over time, Books To Succeed hopes to empower young people with the knowledge and curiosity necessary to understand the world beyond their immediate environment, helping to contribute to a more informed, open-minded, and resilient generation.

Interview

Jube Augustino, Founder