Children helped so far:
How can I help?

6,542

Become an Ambassador

Literacy is a cause which can use as many ambassadors as it can get, especially in Southern Africa.  A recent international study, PIRLS 2006 (Progress in Reading Literacy Study), reveals that 80% of South African learners had not developed basic reading skills by the time they reached Grade 5. This same study showed that South African learners are up to two years behind their international counterparts when it came to literacy standards. Becoming an ambassador for help2read, and thereby an advocate for literacy, can come in many shapes and forms.

For example:

  • You could follow us on twitter: our twitter handle is @help2read. This is an excellent way for us to communicate with our followers about events, relevant articles and operational successes, as well as calls to action! Tweet and Re-Tweet and help us raise awareness about the help2read programme.
  • Why not join our Facebook Group: help2read – improving lives. Forever.? This is a wonderful platform for us to share photos and relevant news with all our stakeholders.
  • Don’t let us hold you back! Our vision is that all South African children leave primary school literate and enjoying reading. If there is a way in which you can raise awareness about our programme and aid us in working towards this goal, we would be only too happy to help you in whatever way we can.  (see the Books for Africa section, where there are details about hosting help2read fundraisers) (link)

Some of our ambassadors are simply dynamic and enthusiastic people who have seen the benefit of help2read at work and use their strengths and interests to spread the word .

Here’s an example or two: Ishay Govender-Ypma is involved with our Fundraising Committee this year. She has a food blog and has organised tweet-ups for help2read. We are linked to her food blog:  http://www.foodandthefabulous.com. Perhaps you could advertise our work on your blog too?

Sindiwe Magona, the children’s author, will be doing storytelling at one of the help2read schools in the near future promoting our work through her own wonderful stories. Maybe you can think of ways to be a help2read ambassador through your work or your interests? We’d love to hear from you.