Read to Rise inspires reading at libraries during school holidays

The South African Library and Information (SALI) Trust partnered with local non-profit organisation READ to RISE to help get children in Mitchells Plain and surrounds excited about reading. Thanks to the SALI Trust’s grant, 280 children will benefit from the READ to RISE Oaky Holiday Programme in 2026.  

READ to RISE will host seven school library programmes at Westridge Public Library, Tafelsig Public Library, Town Centre Public Library, Strandfontein Public Library, Lentegeur Public Library, Rocklands Public Library and Heideveld Public Library.

280 children will attend these library programmes and each will receive a bag with an OAKY story book, activity book, pencil, bookmark, drink and snacks. The programme included the OAKY Puppet Show, storytelling and activities.

The latest Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) revealed that 81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa cannot read.

READ to RISE promotes youth literacy in under-resourced communities in South Africa. The organisation hopes to inspire children to read with a fun, interactive classroom programme and gives each learner a new book to take home. “We believe that children need to read to ‘rise’ despite their circumstances. In Mitchells Plain, children face many challenges including poverty, gangs and drugs. We explain the importance of reading and encourage children to read and go to the libraries.” says Executive Director, Taryn Lock.

The SALI Trust Administrator, John van Niekerk, added that support for the development of a reading culture and libraries, through the valuable work of organisations such as Read to Rise, is very important for the Trust.

READ to RISE currently offers inspirational class programmes for learners in Early Childhood Development centres and primary schools. To date, we have conducted programmes in over 9,200 classes and given out over 417,000 new story books to learners in communities around South Africa. 

READ to RISE uses books from the OAKY Series of children’s books for their programmes. The books are written by award-winning South African poet Athol Williams. There are currently ten books in the series. Each story has a positive life lesson which will hopefully inspire these learners to lead greater lives.

READ to RISE relies on sponsorships from individuals, trusts and corporates in order to conduct their programmes. “We are grateful to sponsors like The SALI Trust for their wonderful support in assisting us to promote youth literacy in the communities that need it the most. We encourage children to read as much as they can and to visit their local libraries.” says Lock.

For more information or if you would like to assist READ to RISE in promoting youth literacy, please visit www.readtorise.org or email info@readtorise.co.za