The support that the Champions provide ensures that these children become successful readers and are better prepared for school. The programme is implemented by registered PBO, Project Literacy.

In addition, the programme gives training and work experience to the Reading Champions and is currently providing opportunity to 8 youth community members to build their skills and experience repertoire.

The initiative is now also enjoying support from the Northern Cape Department of Education, which have been made aware of the programme and have given permission to also offer the RHTR reading materials to learners that are already in school but finding it difficult to read.

“The focus is on stimulating the love of reading within family units, which will in turn promote helping children develop these essential learning skills. Furthermore, the Reading Champions work with families to help them learn how to read storybooks, listen to audio stories, introduce participants to books and libraries and to do educationally stimulating activities with their pre-school children,” explained Abner Wagenaar, Economic Development Manager for Lilitha Solar.