About the foundation

Built by a teacher, for the families she comes from.

I Can Read Foundation began with one belief: that every child can learn to read, when they're taught with warmth, patience, and the right sounds.

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I teach because every child deserves to hold a book and know they can read it.

Meet Vao

Three years teaching phonics in Samoa — now serving families everywhere.

Vao Isikawa taught phonics in Samoa for three years before bringing the same warmth to families across the Pacific diaspora. She knows first-hand that reading isn't a talent some children are born with — it's a skill every child can learn, one sound at a time.

I Can Read Foundation is her project — and a growing platform of resources for the children, classrooms, and communities she serves across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and the Pacific Islands.

3
years teaching
phonics in Samoa
8
services across
literacy & numeracy
$9
Pacific community
price tier
Our mission

Every child can read — and every family deserves the chance.

Built with warmth

A real teacher, a friendly buddy, and lessons that feel like play — not pressure.

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For the Pacific, and beyond

Built first for Pasifika diaspora families, with a community price so cost is never the barrier.

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Grounded in good teaching

Systematic, structured phonics — the method that research shows works best for early readers.