Rally to Read is a flagship project run by READ Educational Trust, a South African NGO that operates broadly in the education and literacy sectors; specifically, in educator training and the provision of school resources.

Established in 1979 and funded by both local and foreign donors as well as the private sector, READ works alongside the Department of Education to implement teacher training and literacy projects in schools.

Rallies take place across South Africa, over a three-year cycle. Schools are provided with resources and books in an initial Rally weekend. Resources comprise toys, books and games, and include a ‘box library’ for each classroom. School teachers are tutored on literacy and language methodologies by ten dedicated READ trainers. Box libraries are constructed for classrooms to protect the books and are replenished with new resources each new Rally year. READ trainers monitor and mentor teachers. All the mentoring completed by READ trainers, is done in conjunction with the Department of Education’s subject advisers and school district offices.

The fruits of Rally to Read’s efforts are evident during repeated annual visits to each Rally to Read-selected school. Read our updates and find out more about our success stories in the News section on this website!

None of this would be possible if it weren’t for our dedicated corporate sponsors and individual donors.

Sponsorship participation is very rewarding. Not only do sponsors accompany us on our unforgettable ‘trek’ out to deliver resources to schools in remote rural areas; Section 18A certificates are given to all sponsors, ensuring that paying it forward, does pay!

Cash donations also qualify for a tax deduction and will receive a Section 18A certificate. All cash donations made to the Rally to Read project qualify as Social Economic Development assistance and will benefit 100% black beneficiaries, as defined by the BEE Codes of Good Practice. Supporting documentation will be issued to donors. Find out more about sponsorship, now!