Africazine:
The Road to Literacy campaign is set to make a significant impact on education in Gauteng.
Entering its fifth year, the campaign is calling for nominations from communities to support schools and education-focused organizations for 2026. In 2025, over 430 Gauteng schools benefited from mobile reading trolley libraries, with plans to deliver 2,000 more by March 2026, providing a total of one million books to under-resourced schools across South Africa.
Gauteng Schools to Receive 2,000 New Libraries
The Road to Literacy campaign aims to enhance children’s literacy by distributing mobile reading trolley libraries. Each trolley, valued at R57 500, is designed to enrich the learning experience by providing books in all 11 official languages of South Africa. This initiative is a collaboration between Oxford University Press Southern Africa and AVBOB, reflecting a total investment of R115 million in children’s literacy.
In 2025, approximately 120 schools in Johannesburg alone benefited from this program, demonstrating the campaign’s commitment to fostering a love for reading among learners. The mobile libraries not only provide access to books but also aim to boost confidence and engagement in classrooms.
Community Involvement is Key to Success
Nominations for schools to receive the new trolley libraries are open to a wide range of stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and alumni. The selection process focuses on identifying schools where the libraries can have the most significant impact, ensuring that resources are directed to those in greatest need. This inclusive approach encourages community participation and highlights the importance of collective effort in enhancing education.
Upcoming Steps for the Road to Literacy Campaign
- Nominations for schools open for 2026.
- Delivery of 2,000 trolley libraries planned by March 2026.
- Continued community engagement to identify deserving schools.
This campaign is transforming literacy in Gauteng, one trolley at a time.
