RISE AND READ
INTERNATIONAL
ABOUT US
Our Story
Rise & Read International Inc. was founded with a simple but powerful vision: to empower teenagers through literacy, mentorship, and faith. What began as a passion to equip Ugandan youth with educational resources and encouragement has grown into a global movement, committed to helping young people dream bigger, achieve more, and walk confidently into their future.We believe every teenager deserves access to books that inspire, mentors who guide, and faith that strengthens. Through literacy initiatives, mentorship programs, and spiritual encouragement, we are raising a new generation of leaders who will impact their communities and the world.
Our Mission & Vision
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Mission: To provide literacy opportunities, mentorship experiences, and faith-based encouragement to teenagers in Uganda and beyond.
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Vision: A world where every teenager has the tools, guidance, and inspiration to rise, read, and lead.
Why It Matters
Across developing nations, millions of teenagers face barriers to education, personal growth, and spiritual encouragement. Rise & Read International exists to break down those barriers—opening doors for young people to thrive as confident, informed, and purpose-driven leaders.
Our Founder
Angela Kirumira is the Founder and Executive Director of Rise & Read International Inc. She is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in human resources, account management, social work, and community development. Known for her visionary mindset and passion for people, Angela has dedicated her life to empowering others through education, mentorship, and advocacy.
Her career path reflects a lifelong commitment to transformation. She began her professional journey in Uganda, where she coordinated critical research efforts to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS and held key roles in human resources. Later, during her time with AmeriCorps’ New American Integration Program, she designed innovative education programs that supported refugees and immigrants adjusting to life in the United States.
Angela holds a Master’s degree in Leadership with a specialization in Human Resources from Northeastern University. Fluent in English, Swahili, and Luganda, she bridges cultural and generational gaps, inspiring youth to see beyond limitations and embrace a future full of possibility.
​Angela’s Vision for
Rise & Read International
Angela envisions Rise & Read International as more than an organization—it is a movement. Her dream is to see teens in developing nations discover their full potential through literacy and mentorship while being grounded in faith and values. She believes that:
Books are more than tools for learning; they are passports to opportunity.
Mentors are more than guides; they are life-changers who can open doors to careers, leadership, and self-discovery.
Faith is more than belief; it is the anchor that builds resilience, hope, and purpose in the lives of young people.
Angela’s vision is to establish Rise & Read International chapters across the globe, starting in Uganda, creating safe spaces where teenagers can learn, ask questions, dream big, and receive encouragement to walk into their God-given destinies.
A Message from Our Founder
"When I look into the eyes of teenagers in Uganda—and around the world—I see untapped potential, big dreams, and incredible resilience. Yet I also see barriers: limited access to books, a lack of mentors, and discouragement that dims their hope.
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Rise & Read International was born from a burden to change that story. I believe that literacy opens doors, mentorship unlocks destiny, and faith anchors the heart. When these three come together, young people rise above their circumstances and step boldly into their God-given future.
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My vision is to see every teenager know that they are seen, valued, and capable of greatness. Through Rise & Read International, we are building bridges of opportunity and creating safe spaces where young people can learn, dream, and lead.
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This is more than an organization—it is a movement. And I invite you to join us in empowering the next generation to rise, read, and shine their light across the nations."
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— Angela Kirumira,
Founder & Executive Director