Texas Non-Profit Founded by Satija Siblings Reaches 100,000 Books Distributed
Rohan and Anya Satija's initiative has transformed from a lemonade stand into a significant educational non-profit, impacting thousands in Texas.
The Let's Learn Foundation has distributed over 100,000 books and 125,000 learning supplies.
Rohan Satija's personal experiences with anxiety inspired the foundation's creation.
The organization has expanded to include mental health support and partnerships with various institutions.
In 2018, siblings Rohan and Anya Satija launched a lemonade stand in Austin, Texas, which has since evolved into the Let's Learn Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to addressing educational disparities. The foundation has successfully distributed over 100,000 books and 125,000 learning supplies to underserved communities across Texas, reaching more than 15,000 students in collaboration with 13 school districts, hospitals, and youth centers.
The inspiration for their non-profit stemmed from Rohan's personal challenges after relocating from New Zealand to the U.S. He faced anxiety and panic attacks due to cultural adjustments, finding solace in books during this transition. Discovering that many children in his community lacked access to reading materials, Rohan, then just 10 years old, teamed up with his younger sister Anya to raise funds through cookie sales and lemonade. Their grassroots effort quickly gained momentum, leading to the establishment of a registered non-profit aimed at combating educational inequality.
Over the years, the foundation has broadened its mission to include mental health resources, recognizing the link between emotional well-being and academic performance. The siblings have initiated programs that provide mental health kits to schools, emphasizing the importance of addressing both education and mental health simultaneously. Additionally, they launched the Vibrant Voices Project, which supports youth in detention through creative writing and performance, allowing them to express their experiences and challenges.
The Let's Learn Foundation has benefited from strategic partnerships with educational publishers and charitable organizations, including support from Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation. Collaborations with local medical and social services, such as Dell Children's Hospital and Active Minds, have enhanced their outreach, ensuring that essential resources reach children in need. Rohan has also taken on advisory roles in youth mental health policy, contributing to various committees and leading workshops at mental health conferences.
Looking ahead, the Satija siblings remain committed to their mission, continuing to organize local donation drives and personally oversee the distribution of supplies. Their goal is to expand their reach into more rural and low-income urban areas in central Texas, where access to educational resources is limited. "We want to ensure that every child, no matter their background, has the resources they need to learn, grow, and succeed," Rohan stated, reflecting their unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of children across the state.
