Johannesburg, South Africa — A substantial stride in the nation’s literacy campaign has been made with the AVBOB Road To Literacy campaign’s donation of 2,010 trolley libraries to primary schools and educational non-profit organizations across South Africa. Launched in 2022, this initiative is designed to combat literacy challenges by enhancing access to educational resources, particularly for under-resourced schools. For the first time, these libraries feature Braille books, catering to the needs of visually impaired learners.
The R115 million donation was unveiled at a Johannesburg event graced by Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube.
The campaign’s expansion and the integration of Braille books are heralded as pivotal steps in advancing literacy rates and inclusivity in education.
The AVBOB Road To Literacy campaign is committed to improving access to books in under — resourced learning environments. Beneficiaries must be primary schools or educational non-profit organizations within Quintile 1 to 3 schools, selected through a public nomination process that identifies communities with a strong commitment to enhancing reading outcomes. Each trolley is equipped with 500 Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS)-aligned literacy books, contributing to a total of 1 million books donated this year.
The distribution of these trolley libraries will occur over the coming months, ensuring broader access to age — appropriate reading materials that support literacy and numeracy skills. Nakedi Pilane, Executive Director of Business Development and Financial Services at AVBOB, emphasized the significance of the donation: “The trolley libraries are a critical step towards ensuring every child has access to quality education, regardless of their background or abilities. “Karen Simpson, Managing Director of Oxford University Press Southern Africa (OUPSA), highlighted the importance of inclusivity, stating, “The inclusion of Braille books is a testament to our commitment to inclusive education for all learners, ensuring no child is left behind. “.
The introduction of Braille — inclusive trolley libraries for selected schools and organizations supporting visually impaired learners marks a significant advancement in 2026. This initiative, part of a broader effort to improve literacy rates in South Africa, aligns with the South African National Literacy Strategy and Plan 2024-2030, which aims to increase funding for school libraries and promote the availability of books in African languages.
As the AVBOB Road To Literacy campaign continues to grow, it is hoped that it will leave a lasting impact on the literacy levels of South African children, equipping them with the tools necessary for success in the classroom and beyond.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: enca
Source: Estelle.Bronkhorst
