Klerksdorp Record, Klerksdorp - Avbob launched its third Road to Literacy campaign earlier this week.
In a strengthened collaboration, Avbob, in partnership with Oxford University Press Southern Africa (OUPSA), announced the campaign set to make an impact on South Africa’s literacy landscape by addressing the severe literacy crisis revealed in the latest Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) findings from 2021.
The PIRLS exposed a critical challenge: 75% of South African schools face a shortage of reading materials - a stark contrast to the international average of 45%. Furthermore, Grade 4 learners struggle to read for meaning, with 81% demonstrating an inability to comprehend written texts in any language in 2021 - an increase from 78% in 2016. South Africa ranked last among the 57 participating countries, which underscores the urgency for effective interventions.
The Avbob Road To Literacy campaign, initiated in 2022, continues to expand each year. In 2024, the campaign plans to donate an impressive 500 trolley libraries to deserving primary schools and educational Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs). This marks a substantial increase from the 260 trolley libraries donated in 2023 and the 180 trolleys donated in 2022. AVBOB and OUPSA are set to contribute 250 000 books, surpassing last year’s 130 000 and 2022’s 77 400 books. This year, each trolley, with an estimated worth of R65 000, will be furnished with 500 books tailored to the CAPS curriculum. The total investment value for the 2024 Avbob Road To Literacy campaign amounts to R32,5 million.
Kebo Mosweusweu, Avbob General Manager: Shared Value and Sustainability, emphasises the campaign’s mission. “Today’s investment in literacy and numeracy is tomorrow’s harvest of empowered leaders. Every child, regardless of background, deserves the key to unlock boundless potential through reading and critical thinking skills”.
OUPSA Managing Director, Karen Simpson, expressed pride in the partnership, highlighting the impact of providing high-quality, age-appropriate books to deserving schools.
How can I nominate a school?
The public is invited to participate by submitting electronic nominations for deserving primary schools or educational NPOs. Nominators should share why their chosen institution deserves to win a trolley library equipped with books. All nominations must be submitted through www.avbob.co.za
