- Read to Rise annually provides free reading materials to 15,000 to 20,000 learners in Mitchells Plain.
- They recently launched their ninth book in the Oaky series, “Oaky Hears a Song,” which addresses themes of death and legacy.
- The initiative aims to encourage reading among Grade 2 and 3 students, providing them with four new books over two years.
Visiting 47 primary schools in Mitchells Plain, Read to Rise services between 15 000 and 20 000 learners with free reading material annually with books catering specifically to children in Grades 2 and 3.
Recently, the organisation saw the launch of its ninth book in the Oaky series, called Oaky hears a song.
Set in the CBD’s Company Gardens, the song deals with death and how those who remain behind should continue the legacy of those who have passed.
The organisation was founded by renowned author and poet, Athol Williams alongside his wife Taryn Lock who is also the illustrator of the Oaky series.
Project manager Roscoe Williams says the ninth book officially launched at the beginning of this term.
says Roscoe.
“Athol and Taryn try to bring out a book every year. It’s just to change up the story. Children are very familiar with the Oaky series because their siblings get the books, so we try and change up the story. Every story in the Oaky series is relevant to what’s happening in our communities. Our current book speaks a bit about death, and that is something that happens every day.”
Founded in 2013 in response to a literacy crisis identified by Athol in his hometown of Mitchell’s Plain, the organisation supplied these books at no cost to learners. The aim is to encourage reading both in and outside of school.
“Through our stories, it’s trying to encourage children how to handle the problems, whether it’s bullying or fighting, and we try and use these stories to encourage children on how they can solve the problem. Oaky guides them in the stories,” says Roscoe.
The organisation has since also expanded to Soweto.
They are completely donor funded. It costs R50 to sponsor a child.
For more information, visit www.read2rise.co.za
