Ford boosts reading in Eastern Cape

by AKANI CHAUKE

JOHANNESBURG – FORD South Africa has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to improving literacy by successfully completing the 2026 Rally to Read initiative in the Eastern Cape.

The programme, which has been running in partnership with the READ Educational Trust for over 28 years, continues to play a vital role in addressing literacy challenges in under-resourced rural schools.

This year’s rally saw the delivery of books, classroom libraries, teaching materials and educational aids to schools across the Nelson Mandela Bay and Sarah Baartman districts.

The initiative focuses on strengthening reading comprehension during the early years of schooling, a critical period in a child’s educational development.

Ford’s involvement reflects a broader, long-term approach to social investment. With more than a century of presence in South Africa, the company views education as a key driver of economic participation and sustainable community development.

Its “cradle to vocation” philosophy emphasises the importance of building strong educational foundations from an early age, with literacy forming the cornerstone of future academic and professional success.

Since 2019, Ford South Africa has independently organised and funded its Rally to Read events, mobilising employees, vehicles and volunteers to directly support rural schools.

The current programme cycle, which began in 2025, spans three years and includes not only the provision of learning materials but also teacher training and ongoing classroom support.

The impact of the initiative extends beyond statistics. While the programme reaches numerous schools, educators and learners, its true value lies in the everyday transformations seen in classrooms.

Learners gain confidence as they develop reading skills, while teachers are better equipped to deliver effective instruction despite limited resources.

Recognising the importance of accessibility, Ford recently donated three Transit vehicles to the READ Educational Trust.

These vehicles will enhance the organisation’s ability to reach remote schools, with one converted into a mobile library to expand access to reading materials and literacy support.

Ultimately, Rally to Read represents more than a single intervention. It is part of a sustained effort to create generational change by improving literacy levels from the ground up.

By investing consistently over decades, Ford South Africa aims to unlock opportunities for learners, strengthen communities and contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous future for the country.

– CAJ News