Literacy NPO gives out 20,287 new books in 2015

During 2015, non-profit organisation READ to RISE visited over 240 classrooms and gave out 20,287 new story books to children in Mitchells Plain and Soweto. The NGO was founded in September 2013, by Athol Williams – businessman, poet and philosopher – and Taryn Lock – former strategy analyst turned social entrepreneur – who are dedicated to promoting youth literacy in South Africa, using their business expertise to build an organisation that has a meaningful impact. “In these communities, many children have never owned a book before and the majority of primary schools do not have their own library. We believe that children who read, will excel at school and go onto become constructive members of society. We visit classes to inspire them to read and give them access to new, high quality reading books.” says READ to RISE Co-Founder and Programme Director, Taryn Lock. READ to RISE began operations in Johannesburg in 2015, focusing on primary schools in Soweto. Programme Manager, Steve Tsakiris, and his team visited 35 classes at 17 primary schools. In 2015, in Mitchells Plain the organisation visited all 45 primary schools and each Grade 2 learners received their own OAKY AND THE SUN book to take home. In September, the organisation launched its new OAKY THE HAPPY TREE classroom programme for Grade 3 classes. “In 2016, in addition to giving a new book to every Grade 2 learner in Mitchells Plain, we plan to give a new book to every Grade 3 learner as well as place a Mini-Library (with 50 new story books) in every Grade 2 class.” says Lock. If you would like to assist with book sponsorships or volunteer your time to read at schools or cover books. Please visit their website www.readtorise.co.za or email info@readtorise.co.za