(December 25, 2024) In many places across the world, the absence of books creates what Rohan Satija calls “book deserts”—areas where children lack access to reading materials. For Texas-based Rohan, this issue isn’t just theoretical. It’s personal. “I was alarmed to hear of the prevalence of book deserts in Texas,” the 17-year-old, 12th grader says, recalling the moment he realized how widespread the problem was. As a young immigrant from New Zealand who moved to Austin, Texas, in 2018, Indian-origin Rohan’s adjustment to life in the United States was fraught with challenges. Struggling with anxiety and panic attacks, books became his refuge, helping him navigate unfamiliar cultural terrain and providing comfort in difficult times. “I found comfort in books and storytelling, but I was alarmed to hear of the prevalence of book deserts in Texas – areas where reading materials are difficult to obtain,” he remarks.
Anya and Rohan Satija
This connection to literature inspired him to co-found the Let’s Learn Foundation at the age of 10 with his sister Anya who is two years younger to him. The organization, which he describes as aiming to “Empower through Education,” works to alleviate educational disparities by providing books, school supplies, and mental health resources to low-income students. Since its inception, the foundation has arranged funds and resources for donating more than 60,000 books, 105,000 school supply items, and 3,500 mental health kits to over 13,000 students across Texas. Just as books changed his life, Rohan wants to help change others’ lives—one book at a time.
Building a network of change
“I’m the youngest representative on the Texas Children and Youth Behavioural Health Subcommittee and the Williamson County Child and Youth Behavioural Health Taskforce,” shares the teenager who has served on boards for organizations including This is My Brave, Teens4TeensHelp, Innerview, and Creative Visions. “I have spoken at numerous mental health conferences, including the Aspen Health Strategy Group conference, and being the youngest workshop presenter at the 2023 NAMI Texas Conference,” he adds.
Rohan and Anya during one of the recent book donation drives
The impact of Let’s Learn Foundation has been amplified by its strong partnerships. Collaborations with organizations such as Scholastic and funding from initiatives like Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation have enabled the nonprofit to expand its reach and deepen its influence. From donating books and mental health kits to launching campaigns within underserved school districts, the foundation’s work reflects Rohan and Anya’s commitment to creating sustainable change.
These partnerships also highlight the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful outcomes. “When you connect with the right organizations, the ripple effect can be enormous,” Rohan explains. By pooling resources and expertise, the foundation has managed to reach more children and provide more comprehensive support than they could have achieved alone.
Rohan and Anya at the Dell Children’s Hospital during a book donation drive
The spark of an idea
Rohan’s journey from a struggling new immigrant to community leader began with a simple realization during a middle school social inequities project. Shocked by the lack of access to books for many children in Austin, he partnered with his younger sister, Anya, to make a difference. Their initial efforts were small—selling lemonade to raise funds for book donations—but their passion and dedication quickly turned these humble beginnings into something much larger. Within nine months, their grassroots initiative transformed into a registered nonprofit that collaborates with 13 Texas school districts and organizations like Dell Children’s Hospital, Active Minds, and SAFE Austin. Today, their work impacts over 350,000 students.
The idea of a book desert resonated deeply with Rohan. Growing up, books were his escape, and it was heartbreaking to think that so many children might never have that same opportunity. This belief became the driving force behind the Let’s Learn Foundation’s mission.
Rohan and Anya Satija at one of the book donation drives
Expanding the mission
The organization doesn’t just deliver books; it also provides tools for emotional resilience and mental health awareness, emphasizing the intersection of literacy and well-being. What began as an initiative focused solely on literacy has evolved into a multi-faceted approach. Recognizing the deep connections between education and mental health, the Let’s Learn Foundation expanded its efforts to include the distribution of mental health kits to schools. These kits, which combine literacy resources with tools for emotional support, have been instrumental in helping students manage stress and anxiety.
Rohan’s personal experiences with anxiety have shaped this broader mission. “Mental health and education are deeply intertwined,” he notes. “By addressing both simultaneously, we can create environments where students are not just learning but thriving.”
One of the most impactful initiatives under the foundation’s umbrella is the Vibrant Voices Project, a theatre program for youth in juvenile detention. Rohan founded the program to help these young people convert their mental health struggles into powerful monologues. “This program emphasizes the impact that storytelling can have on youth mental health, fostering therapeutic self-expression and reducing mental health stigma,” he tells. Through this program, Rohan demonstrates how narratives—whether read or written—can empower individuals to find strength in their vulnerabilities.
Rohan and Anya Satija at Hays County Juvenile Centre
Recognized for impact
The Satija siblings’ efforts have garnered widespread recognition but despite these accolades, Rohan remains grounded in the foundation’s mission. “The real reward is seeing the joy on children’s face when they receive their first book or realizing that our mental health kits are helping students feel supported,” he shares. These moments of connection and impact continue to drive him and his sister to push the boundaries of what the Let’s Learn Foundation can achieve.
Looking ahead
Through the Let’s Learn Foundation, Rohan and Anya have redefined what it means to address educational inequities. Their work serves as a powerful reminder of how grassroots efforts can evolve into movements that transform communities. As Rohan looks to the future, his vision remains clear: “We want to ensure that every child, no matter their background, has the resources they need to learn, grow, and succeed.”
The Satija siblings’ initiatives are an inspiration for those striving to make a difference. From book deserts to literacy oases, their endeavours are all about the power of empathy, determination, and collaboration in creating lasting change.
Rohan and Anya Satija inside the Hays County Juvenile Centre
