This campaign has now closed

Weekly reading sessions transform children’s futures by creating literate, confident learners who love books and want to stay in school. help2read matches deprived South African children struggling with illiteracy to a community volunteer who helps them learn to read. Help us reach 10,000 children

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Categories

  • Disaster Relief Disaster Relief
  • Education/Training/Employment Education/​Training/​Employment
  • Poverty Alleviation/Relief Poverty Alleviation/​Relief
  • Other Other
  • Beneficiaries

    Situation

    Over 4 million adults in South Africa cannot read and 70% of pupils aged 11 are illiterate, leaving them an uncertain future. Unemployment is a huge problem. With large class sizes of up to 90 children, primary school teachers simply do not have the resources to provide individual support to young children. Without the ability to read and no confidence to participate in class, children are left behind and are much more likely to drop out of school with few future prospects.

    Solution

    Teachers nominate struggling learners to be matched with a trained volunteer reading helper. In weekly, one-to-one sessions with colourful books, the volunteer will gently encourage the child’s interest and help them to rapidly progress until they read at or above their grade level and can keep up with their classmates. Assessments show that after one year with help2read children’s reading age improves by 14 months. Community volunteers also gain employable skills and improved self-esteem.

    100%
    Categories

  • Disaster Relief Disaster Relief
  • Education/Training/Employment Education/​Training/​Employment
  • Poverty Alleviation/Relief Poverty Alleviation/​Relief
  • Other Other
  • Beneficiaries