When Athol Williams and his wife, Taryn Lock, saw the reading and literacy crisis in their home town of Mitchell’s Plain they had no idea what a pillar of strength Read to Rise would become.
Now, 10 years later, it has reached more than 300 000 learners far beyond the borders of Mitchell’s Plain. In recent years, the organisation has added Soweto and other local communities to its outreach initiative, which has seen it donate age-appropriate books to foundation-phase learners.
The Oaky series of books penned by Athol and illustrated by Lock was their answer to the discovery of a lack of age appropriate books.
Nick Williams, chair of Read to Rise, thanked the attending principals for always opening their doors and welcoming volunteers.
“Ten years ago, Athol and Taryn had something inside that was so strong for them – starting a literature NGO,” he said.
“They are both strong academics and believe that with a good education, one can change one’s circumstances, especially in communities like ours that have many challenges.”
Principals of Sea View Primary and host West End Primary spoke at the event.
Erefaan Dollie of Sea View Primary said today’s role models are gangsters and more positive role models, such as Athol and the team at Read to Rise need to be celebrated.
“Our communities don’t need malls or police stations,” said West End Primary School principal Clive Arries. “We need schools and NGOs like Read to Rise.”
The school played host to the 10-year celebration on Tuesday 19 September, Arries described the organisation as a lighthouse.
Dakhile Mthandana from Caradale Primary and Imaan Diré of West End Primary shared how receiving the Oaky books changed their lives positively, inspiring them to continue reading.
Project coordinator Roscoe Williams said after the first lesson at Meadowridge Primary School ten years ago when he, Athol and Lock saw the reaction from the children, which left a lasting impression.
“We started small,” he said. “It took us a long time to build the relationships with the schools.”
Struggling to bring the organisation to life, Athol at one point sold his sports cars and mansion to self-fund the organisation.
They visit all 47 primary schools in Mitchell’s Plain.
“Locals sponsoring one book, corporates sponsoring 10 books, that is how Read to Rise is keeping it going now,” says Roscoe.
Teachers are the unsung heroes, says Roscoe, who adds that helping teachers is what keeps them motivated to continue.
Athol, who was a whistleblower in state capture, has fled the country for his safety.
Unable to attend the event, he and Taryn both submitted a few words, read by Roscoe.
Taryn penned a poem about the joys of owning a book and how that book and reading can change children’s lives.
Athol says: “At Read to Rise we believe firmly in the power of stories and believe we can spark a child’s inner light for greatness when we share our excitement for life, for learning, for reading with them. This is what we have been doing for the last 10 years and this is what we will keep on doing.”
He thanked the schools for welcoming the teams into their schools to share their passion for reading with the children.
“Our work is about reading. But, more importantly, our work is about rising. This is our hope for every learner with whom we interact. That they may develop a love for reading and that they may keep rising,” says Athol.
