help2read aims to expand its literacy support programme to an additional 50 South African primary schools over the next two years to provide 675 struggling primary school children with access to books and a dedicated volunteer reading helper. 250 community locals will be trained as reading helpers. help2read will provide toolkits filled with books, games and stationery to each school. Through one-to-one volunteer and child contact outside of the classroom, disadvantaged children will improve their reading skills, comprehension and vocabulary. The volunteers' support will not only enable the children to learn to love reading but significantly increase their levels of confidence and self-esteem. A recent international literacy study (PIRLS 2006) revealed that almost 80% of South African learners have not developed basic reading skills by the time they reach Grade 5. Unless children get enjoyment and experience of books and reading, they spend their lives struggling to catch up. FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN * Project Management and Staffing £ 9,100 * Staff Travel £ 900 * Volunteer Recruitment (adverts/leaflets) £ 1,300 * Volunteer Training and Support £ 1,600 * Learner Evaluations £ 2,900 * Literacy resources £ 7,000 * Administration Expenses £ 1,200 * Capital items (computer equipment) £ 1,000 TOTAL: £ 25,000