Motor Industry Partnership Drives Literacy to Remote Schools Across South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA – For many children in under-resourced communities, access to good quality books can be very limited. This often results in ineffective and unpleasant learning and teaching environments for both learners and educators.

To address this challenge, the READ Educational Trust (READ) introduced an innovative literacy initiative called Rally to Read, which uses the power of the motor industry to bring books, learning, and teacher support materials to remote schools across the country.

Unique Industry Partnership

Rally to Read is a one-of-a-kind partnership between the education and motor industries that is bringing books, digital tools, and teacher support to remote schools across South Africa.

This programme was built on a simple but powerful idea: if vehicles and logistics networks can move goods and people, they can also move education. Conceptualised in 1998 by Brand Pretorius, the former CEO of Toyota South Africa and McCarthy Motor Holdings, the programme began as a small convoy delivering books to a handful of rural schools.

Growing Network of Support

Today, Rally to Read is supported by a growing network of leading motor companies all working together to make literacy accessible in remote and rural areas. This network includes motor companies such as Ford South Africa, Toyota South Africa, Mercedes-Benz, Isuzu, WeBuyCars, GWM, and others that have been consistent in providing vehicles, fuel, drivers, storage, and logistical support to ensure that books, digital devices, and teacher training resources reach schools safely and on time.

This is something that READ could not have achieved on its own because poor road infrastructure, long distances, limited storage, and unpredictable weather can hamper efforts to deliver much-needed resources to schools. However, with the expertise of the mobility sector, no school has been left behind.

Impressive Track Record

Since its launch, Rally to Read has built an impeccable track record of making a lasting impact on learners, teachers, and communities. The programme has reached 925 schools, 15,000 teachers, and 620,000 learners, with over R110 million having been invested in literacy training through the support of more than 160 sponsors.

Each year, thousands of learners gain access to books and interactive learning opportunities, whilst teachers receive training in modern educational techniques, including the use of digital tools to improve reading and comprehension.

Transformational Impact

The impact of this programme has been phenomenal: teachers have reported improvements in reading skills, learners are more engaged and excited about books, and parents see the visits as a sign that someone cares about their children’s education.

The arrival of a Rally to Read convoy is often described as a day of excitement and motivation for learners. As READ’s Interim CEO, Ms Carol Read, explains: “Through our partnerships with the transport sector, we are turning wheels into instruments of change. Every book delivered and every lesson supported empowers educators, ignites curiosity in learners, and shapes futures that were once out of reach. Together, we do not just move vehicles or cargo; we move the next generation forward.”

Future Expansion Plans

As part of its long-term strategy, READ plans to expand the Rally to Read programme by increasing its digital literacy training offerings, creating regional distribution hubs for more efficient deliveries, and introducing mobile learning units to reach more learners in underserved areas.

In her concluding remarks, Ms Read said: “We are grateful to our partners in the motor industry for their unwavering support for our literacy initiatives. Together, we are bringing essential resources to learners and teachers, wherever they are. Every kilometre travelled carries the promise of a brighter future for our learners.”