WHY WE'RE HERE
Sambat Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 1137903), dedicated to supporting literacy and education in the Philippines. We believe that every child deserves access to books, a place to read, and the opportunity to learn. Through school libraries, scholarships, and teacher training, we work alongside communities to make that belief a reality.
Our Mission
Our mission is to support literacy and education in the Philippines. We establish primary school libraries, deliver children's books, grant scholarships to deserving students, and train teachers so that reading becomes a lasting habit — not a privilege.
YOUR IMPACT SO FAR
Earlier records (as of June 2012) showed 6 libraries established, over 18,000 books delivered, 38 scholarships granted, 180 teachers trained, and more than 2,450 children reached. The numbers have grown steadily thanks to supporters like you.
Founder's Story
"What a wonderful way to start the weekend — sharing stories with kids in the new Trapiche Elementary School Library in the Philippines." Sambat Trust began with a simple conviction: that a good book can change a child's future. The founder's personal connection to the Philippines shaped the charity's focus on grassroots literacy work, building libraries where none existed and nurturing young readers one book at a time.
Why Reading Matters
In the pages of a good book, you can be anybody. Reading unlocks imagination, builds critical thinking, and opens doors to education and employment. In communities where books are scarce, a single library can transform how children learn and dream. Our Why Reading page explores the research and the real stories behind this work.
Scholar Stories
Students like Darlene, Hannah, Micah, Ruzzel, and Ryan have pursued their education with the help of Sambat Trust scholarships. Their journeys — from primary school through college — show what consistent support can achieve. Read their stories in our Blog & Stories section, including Mark's graduation magna cum laude and Rey-zadie's heartfelt thank-you letter.
Get Involved
There are many ways to support our work. You can donate directly, pledge your birthday, start your own fundraiser, donate your old car, or simply shop online through affiliate links. Volunteers are always welcome, and spreading the word helps us reach more people. Visit our Get Involved page to learn more.
News & Events
In March 2013, Sambat Trust's "Birthday for Books 2013" campaign was featured in ABS-CBN News, urging Brits to forego birthday gifts and donate funds for children in the Philippines. In November 2014, Dave and Lotte de la Peña held a photo exhibition called "Island Hoops" at Photographique in Bristol, donating all profits from photo sales to Sambat Trust.
Supporting literacy in the Philippines begins with access. When a child walks into a school library for the first time and finds shelves filled with books, something important shifts. That space becomes more than a room—it becomes a gateway to new ideas, broader horizons, and the quiet confidence that comes from learning to read. Sambat Trust works alongside local communities to establish primary school libraries, ensuring that children in underserved areas have a dedicated place to discover stories and build the reading skills that will carry them through their education and beyond.
Scholarships play a vital role in keeping students in the classroom when financial pressures might otherwise pull them away. By granting scholarships to deserving young people, the trust helps bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity. These awards cover essential school costs and send a powerful message: that a child's potential matters. In communities where secondary education can feel out of reach, a scholarship can change the trajectory of an entire family, opening doors that might otherwise have remained closed.
Teacher training is another cornerstone of the trust's approach to lasting educational change. Delivering books and building libraries are crucial first steps, but equipping educators with effective strategies for literacy instruction multiplies the impact. When teachers receive training in how to nurture reading habits, manage library resources, and engage young learners, the benefits ripple outward through every classroom. This commitment to professional development helps ensure that a culture of reading takes root and grows strong within each school community.