Powerful Right to Read Activation Energises Makhanda Community

On 23 June 2025, the Lebone Centre in Makhanda became a hub of passionate advocacy as the Right to Read campaign hosted a transformative community activation. The event brought together a diverse group of education stakeholders, including teachers, literacy assistants, Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners, and committed community members.

The session tackled critical areas that lie at the heart of South Africa's educational transformation. Participants engaged deeply with the current literacy crisis facing the country's children, exploring both the scope and urgency of the challenge. The discussion then turned to the concrete actions the Right to Read campaign is taking to address these pressing concerns.

A significant portion of the activation focused on the potential content of binding literacy regulations. This forward-looking conversation enabled attendees to share their expertise and insights on what an effective regulatory framework might look like in practice.

There was real energy in the room as participants shared experiences, asked probing questions, and offered valuable perspectives drawn from their work on the frontlines of education. The collective commitment to ensuring every child reads for meaning created a powerful sense of shared purpose.

The diversity of voices present at the activation reflects the campaign's understanding that addressing the literacy crisis requires collaboration across the entire education ecosystem. From classroom teachers implementing daily literacy instruction to ECD practitioners laying crucial early foundations, each participant brought unique insights to the discussion.

As the session concluded, the overwhelming sentiment was one of determination and hope. The Right to Read campaign continues to build momentum through these meaningful community engagements, creating spaces where theory meets practice and where collective action can drive real change.

The campaign extends its gratitude to all who participated in this vital conversation. Events like these demonstrate the power of bringing together passionate advocates who share a common vision: a South Africa where every child has the opportunity to develop strong literacy skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

The Right to Read campaign looks forward to continuing these important conversations in communities throughout the country, building the coalition of support necessary to make literacy a guaranteed right for all South African children.