Wells International Foundation could not have more passion for the subject of literacy!

Our founder, Dr. Monique Y. Wells, is a veterinarian and a world traveler because of books that she read before the age of eight.  She is living proof of the power of reading to open a child’s mind to the infinite possibilities available in this world.

When we launched our Literacy SFA, WIF focused on early readers (Kindergarten and Grade 1) and early transitional readers (children who are transitioning from reading picture books and simple texts to becoming self-regulating, independent readers of more difficult texts – Grades 2-3) who are of African descent.

Through our Reading Never Stops project, we provide opportunities for these students to:

• Learn to love reading
• Find role models in books that reflect their race and gender
• Be exposed to topics that can inspire an interest in travel and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics).

Our Reading Never Stops activities also include donating books to schools and youth-focused organizations that extend our reach from Houston across the continental United States.

With the launch of our Youth Veterinarian Initiative Book Club and Merit Badge program, we combined our STEAM Education and Literacy SFAs and expanded our target population to include middle school students in grades 5-8.

Youth who participate in this program read 6-12 books over the course of the academic year and earn merit badges based on their active participation.

Through each of these literacy projects, we provide materials that expose youngsters to topics pertaining to STEAM and to travel abroad.  We ensure that students can “see themselves” in the books they read so they can find confidence in and validation of their identities – so they can get a sense of who they are and who they can become.