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.

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 a