Read to Rise is Bringing the Joy of Reading to Children Across Communities.

Roscoe & Thomas back chat's host

For many children, a book can open the door to a world of imagination, learning and possibility. However, access to books remains a challenge for some communities, where families may struggle to afford them and schools do not always have enough reading resources. Through its literacy programmes, Read to Rise is working to make books more accessible to children and encourage a lasting love of reading.

Speaking on Backchat on Bush Radio 89.5 FM, Read to Rise Programme Director Roscoe Williams shared the story behind the organisation, its work in schools and communities, and why developing a reading culture requires more than simply putting books into children's hands.

Read to Rise was established in 2013 by Athol Williams, Taryn Locke and Roscoe Williams. Having grown up in Mitchells Plain, Roscoe explained that the organisation's work was rooted in a desire to give back to the community.

One of the initiatives involved children's books, including a story written by Athol featuring a character called Oaky. What began as an effort to introduce children to books has since grown into a literacy programme reaching schools and communities in different parts of South Africa.

Some of the books that they have published. 

According to Roscoe, Read to Rise works with 47 primary schools in Mitchells Plain and reaches approximately 20,000 children through its programmes. The organisation has also expanded its work to include Grade R and Grade 1 learners, bringing additional opportunities for younger children to engage with reading.

Its work extends beyond Mitchells Plain to other communities across the Cape Flats, the West Coast and Limpopo. For Read to Rise, however, the goal is not simply to distribute books. The organisation also wants children to develop the confidence and skills to read, understand stories and engage with what they are learning.

During the conversation, Roscoe mentioned some of the barriers that prevent children from developing strong reading habits. These include the cost of books, limited access to reading materials at home, safety and difficulties travelling to public libraries

Roscoe Williams after the interview 

In some schools, children may have to rely on photocopied reading material instead of having access to their own books. Which always takes away the whole purpose of fiction, because the books or stories are not colourful like any other original printed copy. Read to Rise addresses this challenge by providing children with books they can take home. This gives learners an opportunity to read independently and share stories with their families.

The organisation also uses interactive classroom sessions to make reading more engaging. Children are encouraged to read aloud, discuss stories, answer comprehension questions and participate in activities that connect the books to their everyday lives.

Some sessions explore important life lessons, including bullying and how children treat one another. Songs and other interactive activities are also used to help learners participate rather than experience reading as a task they simply have to complete. Roscoe explained that the organisation places importance on the quality of the books it provides. Teachers and psychologists contribute to the proofreading process, helping ensure that the books are suitable for the children who will use them. The intention is to give learners reading material that they can enjoy, keep and value.

Another initiative discussed during the interview was Read to Rise's mini-library programme. The programme provides classrooms with a wooden bookshelf containing 50 books, creating a dedicated reading corner where learners can access stories. The shelves are made by an organisation that trains people with disabilities in woodworking, adding another community-focused element to the initiative.Read to Rise also uses reading charts to encourage participation. Children can earn stars as they complete books, giving them a visible way to track their progress and celebrate what they have read.

The organisation has also introduced puppet shows to bring characters and stories to life. By making books entertaining and interactive, it hopes to help children associate reading with enjoyment rather than pressure. These activities reflect a broader approach to literacy: children need access to books, but they also need opportunities to engage with stories in ways that encourage curiosity and understanding.

Roscoe after the interview
 infront of Bush radio's wall of fame 

For Roscoe, some of the most meaningful signs of progress come from seeing children become more confident readers. He shared an example of a seven-year-old Grade R learner who demonstrated her ability to answer comprehension questions in a video shared by her mother or teacher. He also described receiving feedback from parents and teachers who have noticed changes in children's attitudes towards reading. Some children who were previously reluctant to read have started showing more interest in books.

These experiences highlight why reading programmes must focus on more than the number of books distributed. Developing literacy also involves helping children understand what they read and giving them the confidence to explore stories for themselves. Read to Rise has distributed hundreds of thousands of books over the years, according to Roscoe. Each book represents another opportunity for a child to practise reading, discover new ideas and build a relationship with books.

Read to Rise's work also extends beyond classrooms through the Cape Flats Book Festival, which was founded by the organisation and Athol Williams and launched in Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain, in 2019. Roscoe explained that the festival was created to make literary events more accessible to communities that may not always have easy access to them. The first festival attracted approximately 2,000 people. At its fifth edition, the event brought together around 120 authors from across South Africa, as well as an author from the United Kingdom. Entry was free, allowing members of the public to participate without the cost of a ticket becoming a barrier.

Reviews from Read to Rise website.

The festival provides a platform for established and emerging writers, poets and other creatives. Activities include open-mic opportunities, book sales and spaces for children and adults to engage with literature. Literacy organisations also participate, connecting the festival to the wider work of encouraging reading in communities. Beyond celebrating books and writers, the festival challenges perceptions about Mitchells Plain by creating a space where residents can experience literature, share their own work and engage with people from different backgrounds.

Roscoe also recalled hearing from authors who said that attending the festival inspired them to pursue their own writing journeys. This demonstrates how creating opportunities for people to encounter literature can encourage them not only to read, but also to tell their own stories.

During the interview, Roscoe emphasised that members of the public do not need to make large donations to contribute to the organisation's work. According to him, supporting a child's classroom programme and take-home book can cost as little as R50 per child. He encouraged people to contribute what they can, explaining that even smaller amounts can help.

Those interested in supporting the organisation can find more information through its website, [www.read2rise.co.za(https://www.read2rise.co.za), or contact Roscoe Williams at [roscoe@read2rise.co.za]

Parents and caregivers also have an important role to play in building a reading culture at home. Roscoe

encouraged families to set aside time to read with their children, even if it is only half an hour. Reading together can create opportunities for bonding while helping children develop their language, comprehension and confidence. Although busy schedules and competing distractions can make this difficult, creating a regular reading routine can help children see reading as part of everyday life.

The conversation with Roscoe Williams highlighted how literacy initiatives can respond to the challenges children face while creating opportunities for learning and creativity. Through classroom programmes, take-home books, mini-libraries and the Cape Flats Book Festival, Read to Rise is working to make reading more accessible and enjoyable for children and families.

Its work also serves as a reminder that encouraging a reading culture is a shared responsibility. Organisations can provide books and learning opportunities, while parents, teachers and communities can help children develop the confidence to use them.

Ultimately, a child's access to a book can be the beginning of a much bigger journey: one that encourages curiosity, strengthens understanding and creates space for new possibilities.

Written By Unathi Ngomana.