Empowering Education Across South Africa
Key Objectives
- Enhancing Literacy Skills:
- Provide essential reading materials and resources to disadvantaged primary schools.
- Improve language, literacy, and communication skills to boost academic performance and reduce drop-out rates.
- Sustainable Support:
- Partner with the READ Educational Trust and regional Departments of Education to select and support needy schools.
- Deliver durable box libraries, stationery, and sports equipment, and fund qualified staff to train teachers and monitor progress.
- Long-term Impact:
- Continue the legacy of benefiting thousands of schools, teachers, and learners.
- Invest in literacy training and educational resources to ensure sustained improvement in literacy rates.
- Collaborative Effort:
- Foster a spirit of collaboration among private sector sponsors, particularly the motor industry, to support the program.
- Encourage competitors to join hands for a common cause, demonstrating the power of collective action.
- Proven Effectiveness:
- Conduct independent assessments and ongoing evaluations to ensure the program meets its objectives.
- Highlight the superior literacy skills and lower drop-out rates of learners in the program.
- Innovative Enhancements:
- Introduce digital literacy training and resources to equip teachers and learners for the 21st century.
- Implement a Parental Involvement Program to enhance the overall effectiveness of the initiative.
- Strong Governance:
- Maintain robust governance through a dedicated national steering committee.
- Ensure transparency and accountability in fundraising and program implementation.
Impact Overview
The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted Corporate Social Investment (CSI) budgets, leading to a significant reduction in the number of rallies, with only seven taking place. Despite these challenges, 2024 marked a year of recovery and growth. A total of 11 rallies were successfully organized across various provinces: two in Gauteng, two in KwaZulu-Natal, one in the Western Cape, four in the Eastern Cape, one in Mpumalanga, and one in the Free State.
This resurgence was made possible by the generous contributions of sponsors, who donated a record R16 million. These funds have been instrumental in continuing the tradition of delivering reading materials to schools. These deliveries occur on selected Saturdays in October, February, March, and April, and are eagerly anticipated by school principals, teachers, learners, and parents alike.
Each rally supports between ten and fifteen schools, providing much-needed resources that enhance the educational experience. The positive impact of these rallies is evident in the gratitude expressed by the recipients. Looking ahead, the goal for 2025 is to expand this initiative further by hosting 15 rallies, reaching even more schools and communities. This ambitious target reflects the commitment to improving education and supporting learners across the country.
Programs and initiatives
Ongoing Evaluations by Read Educational Trust
The READ Educational Trust employs experienced trainers with comprehensive teaching backgrounds, these trainers are also responsible for conducting the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA), a tool meticulously aligned with the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) and sanctioned by the Department of Education. This assessment is strategically administered to Grade 3 learners to meticulously track their academic progress throughout the school year.
The EGRA process is initiated in Term 1 with a baseline assessment, designed to gauge the learners’ knowledge and skills acquired from the previous grade. This foundational assessment provides critical insights into each learner’s starting point. In Term 2, a midline assessment is conducted to evaluate the progress made from Term 1 to mid-year. This mid-year evaluation is pivotal in identifying learners who may require additional support and intervention.
The final stage of the assessment occurs in Term 4, where a post-baseline assessment is administered. This concluding assessment aims to identify the number of learners who may be at risk, ensuring that no learner is left behind.
The results from these assessments are meticulously compiled by each trainer and subsequently analyzed by the assessment committee. This comprehensive analysis is instrumental in identifying effective strategies to support both learners and teachers. These strategies are then integrated into subsequent training sessions, ensuring continuous improvement and support for the educational community.
By adhering to this rigorous assessment schedule, the READ Educational Trust ensures that every learner receives the necessary support to thrive academically, thereby fostering a robust educational foundation for future success.
The spirit of Rally to Read and Partnerships
Rally to Read stands as a shining beacon of collaboration and community spirit, showcasing how competitors can unite for a greater good. This initiative brings together virtually all local vehicle manufacturers and many importers, who set aside their competitive differences to support a common cause: enhancing education in under-resourced areas.
From its inception, the motor industry has been a cornerstone of Rally to Read, demonstrating unwavering support and commitment. This sector alone accounts for nearly 70% of the program’s funding, highlighting the industry’s dedication to making a substantial and lasting impact on education. The funds provided by these generous sponsors are crucial in delivering educational resources and support to schools that need them the most.
The collaboration within Rally to Read goes beyond financial contributions. It embodies a collective effort where industry leaders, employees, and volunteers come together to participate in the rallies, personally delivering books and educational materials to schools across the country. This hands-on involvement not only provides essential resources but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose.
The impact of Rally to Read is profound, reaching thousands of learners and educators. By bridging the gap between urban and rural education, the initiative helps to level the playing field, giving every child a fair chance to succeed. The spirit of Rally to Read is a testament to what can be achieved when industries and communities unite with a common goal, driving positive change and creating a brighter future for the next generation.
Testimonials
