Supporting the Path to Literacy in Rural Communities
Rally to Read Day is an essential part of the broader Rally to Read initiative, a program dedicated to enhancing literacy in underserved rural schools across South Africa. Through this initiative, we strive to bridge literacy gaps by providing valuable resources and support for both educators and students.
For the past 16 years, Suzuki Auto South Africa has proudly sponsored this transformative initiative, playing a pivotal role in providing young learners with the reading materials they need to unlock a brighter future. Through our continued efforts, we aim to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of these children.
A Step Toward Change
On February 7th, the Suzuki Team arrived at King Shaka International Airport, ready to embark on another impactful journey. Our first stop was the Lion Match Head Office, where we collected books and educational resources for the school visits scheduled for the following day.
The next morning, participants gathered at the Hilton Hotel for a warm breakfast, followed by inspiring speeches. Brad Pretorius, a founding member of the Rally to Read initiative, shared the compelling story of how the program began, its mission, and the remarkable progress it has made in uplifting teachers and learners throughout the country.
Visiting the Schools
Our journey took us to two remarkable schools—Nkwezela Primary and Nomgidi Primary. Nkwezela, with 19 teachers and 546 learners, was the first stop, followed by Nomgidi, which serves 8 teachers and 204 learners. At both schools, we were greeted with enthusiasm by the students, dedicated educators, and the supportive local communities.
During our visits, we had the privilege of listening to students of all ages read aloud. It was deeply inspiring to witness the strides these learners have made, especially considering that Rally to Read’s commitment to supporting the same schools for three consecutive years allows us to see measurable progress in their reading abilities. This sustained support ensures that we can track improvements and evaluate the effectiveness of the resources provided.
A Personal Reflection
As a participant in this initiative, I felt immense pride in contributing to a cause that is making a tangible difference. In a country where literacy challenges are widespread, it was truly uplifting to witness the transformative impact of our efforts. This experience reinforced the importance of programs like Rally to Read in empowering the next generation and creating opportunities for success through education.
The Rally to Read initiative is more than just a program—it is a movement that supports education, empowers communities, and nurtures the future leaders of South Africa.
Mbali Ntali.