The annual Rally to READ is a product of the READ Educational Trust founded by Brand Pretorius in 1998. Pretorius, philanthropist and retired McCarthy Motor Holdings CEO continue to work around the clock to try and ensure that those less fortunate are not left behind because of the lack of access to education.
“Education is a fundamental human right, and education in itself is an empowering right. Equal opportunity and universal access to good quality education is one of the most effective tools by which economically and socially marginalised communities can lift themselves out of poverty and participate fully in society. Unfortunately, as we all know, the right to education doesn’t necessarily align with the reality of implementing that right,” says Pretorius.
A recent International Reading Literacy Study found that 78 per cent of Grade 4 learners cannot read with comprehension. With the donations from South African individuals and corporates, the READ Educational Trust and efforts such as the Rally to READ aims to mitigate this problem by offering support to the most vulnerable. The schools assisted is; Mpunzana Primary School, Majika Primary School, Khombindlela Primary School, Ifalethu Primary School, Mhwayi Primary School, Mgwenyana Primary School, Umpololi Primary School, Siyamukela Primary School, and Entokozweni Primary School.
These schools each get ‘box libraries’ filled with books and support visits, training and classroom support over a period of three years from the READ field staff. After each year of support, the libraries are updated with more advanced books to further challenge and improve the students reading abilities. The teachers also benefit from literacy and language methodologies tutoring and mentorship. All the work is done in conjunction with the Department of Education’s subject advisers and school district offices.
By merely equipping the teachers with the tools they need, there is an instant improvement in morale which spills over to the students resulting in higher confidence levels as well as reading and writing skills. Not only are strong literacy skills linked to higher Matric pass rates and university enrolment rates, but also higher emotional intelligence.
“We couldn’t do what we do without the ongoing support of our loyal sponsors. This year alone, Ford assisted us with an incredibly generous R1-million donation to help us continue our work. But over and above that, we are also so very grateful for the logistical support they provide in their fleet of Ranger bakkies, helping us to physically get the books and supplies to the schools, which are often in very difficult to reach locations. We’re talking wading through rivers sometimes, and climbing rocky roads that only the very toughest of 4x4s could handle,” says Pretorius.
“It is our honour and privilege to support such a worthy cause. Our partnership with Rally to READ goes way back to 1999, and it’s an association of which we are extremely proud. Being a good corporate citizen has always been a core value of Ford, and our commitment to sustainability is a key part of who we are. We believe that by supporting communities and members of society who can’t support themselves, and providing opportunities so that they can better themselves, we will have a profound impact on the future of our country. And education is the foundation we all need for a lifetime of learning and work opportunities.”
“For us, coming on this Rally, and actually meeting the beneficiaries of the programme, is a very special opportunity,” he continues. “To share in the excitement of the book hand-over, to meet and engage with the teachers, children, parents and caregivers, and to see first-hand the tangible results of this programme – the very real progress that is made in the schools we support – is both humbling and inspiring.” Ockert Berry, VP Operations, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.
“This Rally is not just about delivering books. It’s about delivering hope. Giving these children, their families, their communities, and our country much-needed hope for the future,” concludes Berry.
To see how you can get involved in supporting this initiative, please visit: www.rallytoread.co.za
