"The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) reported that in 2021 South Africa ranked last out of 57 countries. Sadly, 81% of Grade 4 children in South Africa are functionally illiterate (up from 78% in 2016).
The recent Department of Basic Education and UNICEF South Africa Study revealed that 43% of households in South Africa have zero access to books. The 2023 National Reading Survey, launched by the Nal’ibali Trust on 13 June 2023, found that two-thirds of homes with children under age ten do not have a single children’s book, and only 10% have more than ten books. This means most South African children arrive at school without important early home learning experiences.
READ to RISE is a non-profit organisation committed to promoting youth literacy in schools in South Africa's under-resourced communities. As the name indicates, Read to Rise firmly believe that children need to read in order to rise in their personal development and contribution to society. Read to Rise hopes to create a nation of inspired readers.
We believe that children who love reading, will excel at school and go on to become constructive members of society. It all starts with reading." - Read to Rise
