Siblings’ lemonade stand becomes book donation nonprofit
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In 2018, Rohan and Anya Satija, siblings originally from New Zealand and living in Texas, began selling cookies and lemonade to address a lack of books for children in their community.
They learned about “book deserts”, neighbourhoods with limited access to age-appropriate reading materials, and wanted to help. Their initial fundraising grew into the Let's Learn Foundation, a nonprofit organisation that now distributes books and learning supplies.
The Satijas started their work after moving to Austin, Texas, where Rohan experienced anxiety adjusting to a new culture. Books helped him cope, which inspired him to provide the same comfort to other children. The foundation now collaborates with 13 school districts, hospitals, and youth centres across Texas, providing not only books but also classroom supplies and mental health kits. Over six years, the Let’s Learn Foundation expanded its focus to include mental health support.
Recognising the connection between emotional well-being and academic performance, the siblings created mental health kits for students and launched the Vibrant Voices Project, a creative writing program for youth at the Hays County Juvenile Centre. The foundation partners with organisations like Scholastic, Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, and Dell Children’s Hospital to broaden its reach and impact, and Rohan Satija serves on two behavioural health committees for children and youth in Texas.
The foundation plans to extend its services to more rural and low-income areas of central Texas.
