From a 25-year prison sentence to building a thriving business ecosystem, Kieron A. Bryan is proof that barriers can become stepping stones.

In prison, he read over 250 books, earned a first-class degree, launched programmes to inspire others, and even wrote a children’s book that became the first in the world to sell its characters as NFTs.

Since his release, Kieron has founded multiple ventures, spoken at universities and the House of Lords, and is preparing to begin his PhD on how AI and blockchain can help tackle recidivism.

In this episode, Kieron shares how education behind bars became more valuable than dead-end jobs, offering real options, real hope, and real change. His story challenges us to reimagine the role of Further Education in justice, and reminds us that transformation begins with the conversations that matter.

Just ask our good friends, Russ and Pendar, about their unforgettable summer adventure. They’re about to take on a 3,000 km journey across the Himalayas in a tiny rickshaw, all to raise global awareness for literacy and share the gift of reading by distributing children’s books along the way.

How can we bridge the literacy gap and create a more inclusive world? In this episode, we sit down with Greg Zaralidesto explore the theme of the World Literacy Summit 2025: "Bridging Literacies." We discuss the summit’s impact, the importance of global collaboration in literacy, and what to expect at this year’s event in Oxford. Tune in for insights on the future of literacy and how you can be part of the movement!

From poverty, prison and feeling powerless to teaching himself to read on TikTok. Oliver has become a global sensation with his dedication and determination to use his literacy skills to inspire others.

Discover how Turn On the Subtitles is revolutionizing children's literacy skills with Henry Warren. Tune in for insights on this transformative initiative!

Dive into the heart of literacy transformation! 🌍

In this captivating episode of Beyond Words Literacy Podcast, witness the dynamic collaboration between the World Literacy Foundation, Sun Books in Kenya, and the groundbreaking teaching approach of Tiny Ivy.

Discover the inspiring journey of Tiny Ivy with Mary Silverswag, unveiling the innovative TIPS language born from a parent's quest to teach. Unravel the broader issues of illiteracy in the U.S. and the crucial role of orthography. Mary delves into Tiny Ivy's global

Explore the application of Tiny Ivy in the U.S. and Kenya, navigating challenges and celebrating successes.

Lamek shares the urgency of tackling Kenya's literacy crisis and outlines Sun Books' strategic approach. The episode acknowledges the World Literacy Foundation's commitment to a literate world by 2040, inviting you to contribute and join forces as Christmas time approaches.

Join this transformative journey as Sun Books and Tiny Ivy unite to empower minds globally. 📚✨

Support literacy and be part of the change!

Visit the World Literacy Foundation website to make a lasting impact this Christmas time. 🌐🔗 https://worldliteracyfoundation.org

Listen now for an inspiring journey and discover how you can be part of the global literacy movement. 📚✊

Tune in on your favorite podcast platform!

In this episode of the Beyond Words podcast, we are honored to have Maryam, our World Literacy Youth Ambassador representing Afghanistan sharing her incredible journey and her vital work. As a young leader and a former senior human rights and gender officer, Maryam sheds light on the transformative power of education and literacy, especially for vulnerable groups such as young girls, minorities, and people with disabilities.

She discusses the challenges women and girls face in accessing education in Afghanistan, including recent bans on girls attending school and the impact of this on their lives. Maryam also shares her remarkable efforts in creating a secret library to ensure access to books for women and girls, even in these challenging times.

Join us in this insightful conversation with Maryam as we explore the resilience of the human spirit and the crucial role literacy plays in empowering individuals and communities in Afghanistan.

Discover how digital books are becoming a lifeline for those in need and find inspiration in Maryam's unwavering commitment to promoting literacy and education with the support of the World Literacy Foundation despite adversity.

Stay tuned for an eye-opening and heartwarming discussion on the power of words, education, and hope.

Join Maryam's fight for education in Afghanistan.

Listen to her story of determination and resilience. 🎧

🎧📚 Dive into a realm where words wield immense power, and YOU become the author of change! Prepare for a podcast episode to ignite your creativity and warm your heart.

In a world where the written word has nearly vanished, a young heroine named Ink is on a mission to bring it back from the brink of extinction. 📚 Her weapon? A story co-written by 5,000 people from around the world, including YOU! 🌍

"My Name Is Ink" is not just an art project; it's a movement for change. This project transcends borders, skin colors, and beliefs, creating a book that celebrates diversity. Your sentences hold the power to inspire creators worldwide.

📝 Engage in the Exquisite Corpse challenge, crafting concise 180-character contributions that steer the narrative. Each word you choose shapes the story's destiny.

🌐 Let's make reading and writing a fundamental right for all. Support My Name Is Ink, buy your sentence, co-write for change, and be part of an inspiring literary movement.

📢 Don't miss this chance to be part of something extraordinary. Tune in this episode and dive into the world of "My Name Is Ink" and discover how this global project is changing the world one sentence at a time. 📘

📗🎧🎤 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Let's rewrite history and kindle the flame of literacy together!