READ to RISE Comedy Evening 1 December 2018 8pm

Meet Siphamandla - Programme Facilitator

Happy 5th Birthday to READ to RISE

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY

Today we celebrate 5 incredible years of inspiring children to read!

5,265 class programmes
90 schools
72,698 children benefitted
292 Mini-Libraries
114,902 OAKY books given out
10 staff
130,595 books in total given out

Thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers, directors, partners and supporters, we couldn't have done it without you!

A special thank you to the awesome READ to RISE team for the wonderful work they do!

Here's to another 5 amazing years ahead.

Literacy NGO launches 5th Class Programme in Mitchells Plain

‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ Nelson Mandela

In celebration of Mandela Day, literacy NGO READ to RISE launched its 5^th class programme on 18 July 2018 at Seaview Primary School in Mitchells Plain (Cape Town). The new book OAKY RUNS A RACE is the fifth book in the OAKY Series, written by award-winning South African poet Athol Williams. The story is about a gruff pine cone who challenges Oaky to a race. Oaky accepts the challenge but he runs much slower than the pine cone. However, there is a surprising outcome to the race.

READ to RISE promotes youth literacy in under-resourced communities in South Africa. The organisation hopes to get children excited about reading with a fun, interactive classroom programme and gives each learner a new book to take home.

The Grade 3 learners at Seaview Primary School were engaged and excited to hear the story, the surprise at the end of the session was that each of the 144 learners received their own brand new OAKY RUNS A RACE book to take home.

The latest PIRLS survey revealed that 78% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa are functionally illiterate. In communities such as Mitchells Plain, children face challenges such as gangsterism, drugs and poverty.

Williams has given rights to READ to RISE to print the OAKY series and receives no royalties. “READ to RISE is able to distribute more OAKY books as it only needs to pay for the printing. I would like to see more authors and illustrators giving back to society.” says Williams.

Since its founding in September 2013, to date READ to RISE has conducted programmes in over 2,300 classes at 95 primary schools – over 70,000 children have benefitted from the programmes. “My message to children would be to internalise the message in each of the OAKY stories. Each story has an important life lesson. As an author it is a very long and isolated process of trying to write something that children will enjoy, so it is incredibly rewarding to see how much children love their OAKY books.” says Williams.

READ to RISE sells the OAKY books to fundraise for their programmes. For every OAKY book bought for R100, it allows the organisation to visit a school and one learner will get a book to take home. Visit www.theartpressbooks.com to buy the OAKY series.

“Every child who has received an OAKY reading book loves it. The fact that each story has a moral value throughout the story-line makes it so valuable for the teachers who instil and sharpen GOOD 

CHARACTER in our learners. Thank you READ to RISE!” Huguenot Primary School Teacher.

The NGO relies on sponsorships from individuals/corporates to conduct their programmes. They work with 45 primary schools in Mitchells Plain (Cape Town) 20 in Soweto (JHB) and 5 in Makhado (Limpopo) -  for only R50 a learner can benefit from the READ to RISE programme. For more information or if you would like to assist READ to RISE in promoting youth literacy, please visit www.readtorise.org or email info@readtorise.co.za

Literacy NGO gives out 100,000th book

Literacy NGO READ to RISE celebrated handing out their 100,000^th OAKY book at Cascade Primary School in Mitchells Plain on Thursday 17 May 2018. The organisation visited the school to conduct their programmes to inspire the Grade 2 and 3 learners to read. As part of the programme, each of the 344 learners received a brand new OAKY book to take home. The organisation has been visiting the school for the last 5 years. “We believe that book ownership can ignite a love for reading and it is important to keep encouraging children to read.” says Executive Director Taryn Lock.

The latest PIRLS survey revealed that 78% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa cannot read.

READ to RISE promotes youth literacy in under-resourced communities in South Africa. The organisation hopes to get children excited about reading with a fun, interactive classroom programme and gives each learner a new book to take home. The programmes are based on the OAKY series of children’s books written by award-winning South African poet Athol Williams. There are currently five books in the series and each story has a valuable life lesson such as being brave, being a good friend, dealing with change, finding your true purpose and being happy – lessons which are much needed especially in the gang-ridden communities in which the organisation works.

Williams has given rights to READ to RISE to print the OAKY series and receives no royalties. “READ to RISE is able to distribute more OAKY books as it only needs to pay for the printing. I would like to see more authors and illustrators giving back to society.” says Williams.

Since its founding in September 2013, to date READ to RISE has conducted programmes in over 2,200 classes at 95 primary schools – over 70,000 children have benefitted from the programmes. “My message to children would be to internalise the message in each of the OAKY stories. Each story has an important life lesson. As an author it is a very long and isolated process of trying to write something that children will enjoy, so it is incredibly rewarding to see how much children love their OAKY books.” says Williams.

READ to RISE sells the OAKY books to fundraise for their programmes. For every OAKY book bought for R100, it allows the organisation to visit a school and one learner will get a book to take home. Visit www.theartpressbooks.com to buy the OAKY series.

“Every child who has received an OAKY reading book loves it. The fact that each story has a moral value throughout the story-line makes it so valuable for the teachers who instil and sharpen GOOD CHARACTER in our learners. Thank you READ to RISE!” Huguenot Primary School Teacher.

The NGO relies on sponsorships from individuals/corporates to conduct their programmes. They work with 45 primary schools in Mitchells Plain (Cape Town) 20 in Soweto (JHB) and 5 in Makhado (Limpopo) -  for only R50 a learner can benefit from the READ to RISE programme. For more information or if you would like to assist READ to RISE in promoting youth literacy, please visit www.readtorise.org or email info@readtorise.co.za

Read our story

Buy an OAKY book, change a life

December Global Giving Campaign: 14,600 books for children in Mitchells Plain

During the month of giving, READ to RISE is running a Global Giving campaign to raise funds for it's programme for 14,600 learners in Mitchells Plain in 2018.

For only R50 or $3.50 a learner, you can make a difference.

Donate here:
Books for 14,600 children in Mitchells Plain

OAKY Inter-School Stage Play Competition 2017 - Mitchells Plain

First Round: Oaky Inter-School Stage Play Competition 1-2 November 2017

The First Round of the Oaky Inter-School Stage Play was held at Highlands Primary School in Mitchells Plain 1-2 November 2017. Ten primary schools from around Mitchells Plain participated. The competition was proudly sponsored by Liberty Promenade Mall, who also sponsored the Read to Rise programme for 1600 learners at the participating schools.

The judges for the First Round included Hazel Oliver, Kevin Wildschut and Najeeba Small-Ebrahim.

The participating schools included AZ Berman Primary, Mitchells Plain Primary, Liesbeeck Primary, Huguenot Primary, Rocklands Primary, Meadowridge Primary, Dennegeur Avenue Primary, Montagu Drive Primary, Littlewood Primary and Highlands Primary School.

All the schools put on a great play based on the book OAKY THE HAPPY TREE written by award-winning poet Athol Williams who grew up in Mitchells Plain.

The top four schools were AZ Berman Primary, Meadowridge Primary, Liesbeeck Primary and Rocklands Primary School. The Final will take place on Saturday 11 November 10:00-13:00 at the Food Court at Liberty Promenade Mall in Mitchells Plain. The MC will be Chanelle Davids, Hectic Non Nine 9 presenter.

Mandela Day 18 July 2017

'There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.' ~ Nelson Mandela

Today we celebrated Mandela Day, along with Novus Holdings, Paddocks, Protea Hotels and TFG.

Thank you to all those staff who volunteered their time to cover books in plastic.

Thank you to Novus Holdings for sponsoring 240 new books for learners in Mitchells Plain, and to their staff for covering the books.

Thank you to Protea Hotels for sponsoring 200 new books and to staff for covering!

Thank you to the staff at Paddocks in Rondebosch for covering 90 books in plastic, and for donating pencils and books for children in Mitchells Plain.

Thank  you to TFG who will be having covering sessions at their various offices in Cape Town and JHB.

Global Giving: Give a new book to 14,300 children in Mitchells Plain

A new book for 14,300 children in Mitchells Plain

Literacy NGO launch third classroom programme to inspire children to read

READ to RISE launched their third classroom programme at Westville Primary School in Mitchells Plain on Friday 24 February 2017.

READ to RISE is a non-profit organisation, founded in 2013, that promotes youth literacy in under-resourced communities in South Africa. To date, the organisation has conducted their programmes in over 870 classrooms and given out over 53,000 new books to learners in Mitchells Plain, Soweto and surrounds.

The new children’s book OAKY THE BRAVE ACORN is the third in the OAKY series of inspirational children’s stories - written by South African social philosopher and poet, Athol Williams, and illustrated by Taryn Lock. OAKY THE BRAVE ACORN is a fun story about an acorn who must take a huge leap of faith to give himself the chance to fulfil his destiny. When it counts, Oaky proves himself to be a brave acorn.

This new programme OAKY THE BRAVE ACORN is aimed at Grade 2 learners (Grade 3 where English is only taught from Grade 3). We deliver a fun, interactive session to inspire children to read. We believe that book ownership is important in igniting a child’s love for reading so give a brand new book to each learner to take home.

READ to RISE works with all 45 public primary schools in Mitchells Plain as well as 20 primary schools in Soweto (Johannesburg). This year, READ to RISE will offer four different classroom programmes - OAKY THE BRAVE ACORN, OAKY AND THE SUN, OAKY THE HAPPY TREE and the new fourth OAKY book (which will be launched in May this year). In 2016, READ to RISE conducted their programme in every Grade 2 and 3 class in 45 schools in Mitchells Plain and 20 schools in Soweto - 450 class programmes were conducted and over 17,500 learners received a new book to take home. This year, READ to RISE will conduct two class programmes per grade as we believe that more interactions with the learners will help to inspire them to read - hence 900 class programmes will be conducted and 35,000 new books will be given out. 

The author of the Oaky series, Athol Williams, grew up in Mitchells Plain and uses literacy and his writing to inspire people. Athol was named LeadSA Hero for January 2017. Athol and Taryn co-founded READ to RISE in 2013 and remain committed to literacy in South Africa.

To assist or sponsor books, please visit www.readtorise.org. READ to RISE also sells the OAKY books – for each book that is sold we are able to give a new book to a child in need. Email: info@readtorise.co.za

Thank you for buying Pushing Boulders, 6281 learners with get a new book

Pushing Boulders is available at book stores including Exclusive Books and Bargain Books.

Visit www.theartpressbooks.com

NEW BOOK: Oaky the Brave Acorn

The third book in the OAKY Series is now available!

OAKY THE BRAVE ACORN

Written by Athol Williams
Illustrated by Taryn Lock

Oaky the Brave Acorn is a fun story about an acorn who must take a huge leap of faith to give himself the chance to fulfil his destiny. When it counts, Oaky proves himself to be a brave acorn.

Available from Theart Press:
https://www.theartpressbooks.com/product-page/b329f1d5-e78a-eb54-1615-a8ade3167359

This book will be used by READ to RISE as one of their classroom programmes for Grade 2 (or Grade 3 where English is only taught in Grade 3) to inspire children to read.

Athol and Taryn have generously waived all royalties to ensure that costs are kept low so more children in need can get books.

Who We Are

Athol Williams,  Co-Founder and Chairman


As Co-Founder and Chairman, Athol has been at Read to Rise since its start in September, 2013. Athol decided to launch Read to Rise because of his passion for education. Athol wanted to be a part of a team that has a direct impact on education, specifically literacy.
Athol believes that Read to Rise does not only focus on reading and books. The organisation’s  work helps inspire children to rise above their circumstances and live fruitful lives. The books that are distributed to children through the program, such as Oaky The Happy Tree, have positive messages and leave lasting impressions on the children who read them.
For Athol, the most rewarding aspect of working with Read to Rise is seeing the smiles on the faces of the children as they receive their new books and hearing stories from parents and teachers about how the programme has positively impacted the learning of their children.

Taryn Lock, Co-Founder and Executive Director


Taryn as been with Read to Rise since the organisation’s start in September, 2013. While tutoring English to immigrants during her sabbatical, Taryn realised the impact that one can have by helping one learn English. Taryn’s passion grew, manifesting itself in the desire to help learners read, specifically in underprivileged communities in South Africa.
In addition to being the Co-Founder and Executive Director, Taryn is the illustrator of the Oaky book series. Oaky and the Sun, Taryn’s first illustrated book, centres around finding ones true purpose in life- a message that Taryn believes is important for all South African youth.
Taryn strongly believes in the aims of Read to Rise, stating “If we help the children read today, especially those in under-resourced communities, South Africa will have a brighter future”.

Roscoe Williams, Programme Manager – Mitchells Plain


Roscoe had previous experience working with schools in Mitchells Plain. When he saw the opportunity to work with Read to Rise to further learners’ literacy, he jumped at it. Roscoe’s high level of dedication to the learners and schools in Mitchell’s Plain is unmatchable. When asked what character from a storybook he would be, Roscoe replied, “a super hero, so that I would be able to be in the schools more frequently”. Roscoe’s personal and professional goal is to continue to inspire the children at every schools he visits. Each day that he is able to see students light up when listening to the Oaky storybooks and understanding the lessons being taught help Roscoe rekindle his passion for helping children learn and grow.

Madeneya Bardien, Business Operations Manager


After working in the banking industry for 7 years, Madeneya decided that it was time  to make a career change. She wanted to pursue something meaningful and rewarding. Shortly after, she found Read to Rise and accepted a position with the organization, calling it “the best decision I’ve made”.
Madeneya knows that everyday she is at work, she’s helping bring about positive change in a child’s life. The most rewarding aspect for Madeneya is knowing that the lessons of Oaky and the Sun and Oaky the Happy Tree will continue to inspire children to rise above difficult circumstances in life and to succeed. Every time she receives a hug and a smile from a child after teaching a lesson inspires her to continue to tackle each and every day with passion and persistence.

Steve Tsakiris, Programme Manager – Soweto/ Gauteng


Steve joined Read to Rise as Programme Manager in 2015. While working in the Personal Development field for adults, he decided to make a career change. Steve now invests in the lives of children. For Steve, Read to Rise centres on helping people “rise” and awaken who they truly are- miraculous, powerful, and amazing human beings! The most rewarding aspects for him are being with children in the schools and watching them blossom during their interactions with Read to Rise.
Steve truly believes that happy teachers will change children, and that we are all teachers. Changing the world starts with each and every individual!

Siphamandla Mncube, Programme Facilitator – Soweto


Siphamandla was getting frustrated with the day to day and decided that he needed a change. Read to Rise quickly became the change he sought. Being a Programme Assistant allows Siphamandla to not only be busy and active, but also helps him make a positive and lasting impact in the Soweto/Gauteng community. For Siphamandla, the most rewarding aspect of his role is seeing the smiles on the children’s faces, stating, “it’s priceless!” Siphamandla believes that Read to Rise helps change the lives of children.


Nontokozo Mncube, Programme Facilitator – Soweto


Nontokozo has been with Read to Rise since early 2015. As a mother, Nontokozo is passionate about children and believes that the fundamental years in their lives are very important. She believes that young children need to feel special and loved. With the help of Read to Rise, she is able to provide the children of Soweto/Gauteng some of these basic necessities.
Many of Nontokozo’s favourite moments with Read to Rise include giving children a brand new copy of the Oaky books and seeing their excited reactions. Moments such as these are what keeps Nontokozo elated to be a part of Read to Rise. She regards the work of the organisation as an influential part of helping children become thrilled to increase their literacy skills.


Mogammat Nur Oliver, Programme Facilitator – Mitchells Plain

Mogammat Nur was born and raised in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town. He completed a one year Higher Certificate in Islamic Studies at IPSA- International Peace College of South Africa. He also attended UWC- University of The Western Cape. In 2017 Nur grabbed the opportunity to work for Read to Rise, as he is highly passionate about "Promoting Youth Literacy." "Who better to start with than with our future leaders of tomorrow (the children) and what better way to achieve it than encouraging youth to read in order to succeed!"~ Mogammat Nur Oliver

Rhonda Carelse,  Programme Facilitator – Mitchells Plain

Rhonda Carelse is from Mitchells Plain, she attended Mitchells Plain Primary School and Mondale High School. Reading is her biggest passion. She is currently studying to become a teacher.

Kercia Petersen,  Programme Facilitator – Mitchells Plain

Kershia is from Rockland Mitchells Plain. She matriculated from Rocklands High in 2014. She has always had a passion for children and has a lifelong dream of actually becoming a teacher. "Working at Read to Rise is truly an honour as well as a blessing for me, very motivating to say the least. It is truly bringing me closer and encouraging me to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a teacher in the process changing the youth in creating future leaders."

Appointment of Taryn Lock as Executive Director

We are happy to announce that as of 1 January 2017, that Taryn Lock will be Executive Director of READ to RISE.

Taryn, who is also Co-Founder, has been the Programme Director for the last 3 years and has been responsible for setting up and managing the administration and operations in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Taryn is from Johannesburg, she has a BSc (Mathematics and Computer Science) and BScHons degree in Mathematics from Wits University. She has worked as a strategy analyst for many years and was named one of Mail & Guardian's Top Young South Africans in 2014. She also illustrates the Oaky childrens series.

"We look forward to 2017 and hope to double our number of classroom programmes to 900 class visits and give out over 35,000 new books to learners in Mitchells Plain and Soweto. We will be launching two new class programmes this year." says Taryn.

READ to RISE visits 446 classes in 2016 and gives out 22,236 new books

2016 was a great year for literacy NGO READ to RISE. Classroom programmes were conducted in 446 classes in Mitchells Plain, Soweto, Tembisa, Manenberg and Bishop Lavis. A total of 22,236 new story books were handed out to these learners.

READ to RISE is a non-profit organisation that promotes youth literacy in under-resourced communities in South Africa. We hope to inspire children to read and give them access to new, high quality and age-appropriate story books. We visit schools to conduct our fun, interactive classroom programme to inspire learners to read. We believe that children who love reading, will excel at school and go on to become constructive members of society.

This year we introduced a second classroom programme for learners based on the book 'Oaky the Happy Tree' which is a fun, cheerful story about an oak tree named Oaky who discovers the secret to being happy. The book was written by South African poet Athol Williams and illustrated by Taryn Lock.

We thank all our sponsors, volunteers, partners and supporters for their support during the year.
Well done to our fantastic teams in Soweto and Mitchells Plain.

In 2017, we will be launching two new classroom programmes for children in the foundation phase. We hope to visit over 800 classes at 65 primary schools and give out over 35,000 new books.

If you would like to assist in any way, please contact Programme Director, Taryn Lock taryn@readtorise.co.za or visit our website for more information www.readtorise.org

READ to RISE has given a new book to every Grade 2 learner in Mitchells Plain in 2016!

A Life of Possibilities by Athol Williams - 4 November 2016

On Friday 4 November 2016, South African poet and philosopher Athol Williams gave a talk about " A Life of Possibilities" based on his latest autobiography called "Pushing Boulders".

The event took place at Erin Hall in Rondebosch and about 70 people attended.

READ to RISE was honoured to host this event. Athol is the Co-Founder and Chairman of READ to RISE.

All book sales go to READ to RISE so that more children in under-resourced communities like Mitchells Plain can get new books.

Funds on the night were raised for 139 children in Mitchells Plain!

A fantastic evening listening to Athol's wise words. Thank you to Erin Hall and to all those who attended.