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
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
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."
