The Power of Reading Aloud: Inspiring Young Minds with READ to RISE

Loading player...
Literacy is the key to a brighter future, yet South Africa is facing a reading crisis—81% of Grade 4 learners struggle to read for meaning, and nearly half of all households have no access to books. On World Read Aloud Day, we celebrate the power of storytelling and its role in shaping young minds.

In this episode, Samm Marshall speaks with Steve Tsakiris, Director of READ to RISE, about the importance of reading aloud, the impact of book ownership, and how we can all help build a nation of inspired readers.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on how simple acts—like reading a book to a child—can transform lives and break the cycle of illiteracy.
6 Feb English South Africa Business · Non-Profit

Other recent episodes

From Seed to Shelf: How Buying a Ream of Paper Supports 3,800 South African Families

What if every ream of paper on your office shelf could tell a story of community empowerment, environmental stewardship, and local pride? Meet Mondi Rotatrim South Africa’s most trusted paper brand now rebranded with bold African-inspired designs that represent far more than just quality. In this eye-opening episode, Katie Mohamed…
21 Aug 12 min

Unstoppable Women: Rewriting Africa’s Entrepreneurial Future

In this powerful episode of The Social Impact Show, host Katie Mohamed is joined by Dr. Reabetswe Kgoroeadira, CEO of the newly launched Regenesys School of Entrepreneurship, to spotlight a bold initiative shaping Africa’s economic landscape. In partnership with Access Bank South Africa, the School kicks off with the 2025…
21 Aug 16 min

SA Books Online: Using Tech to Rewrite the Future of South African Literature

In this episode of Tech for Good with Sam Marshall and Rethabile Motlala, we spotlight Sibusiso Manqa, the trailblazing founder of SA Books Online a proudly South African digital publishing platform that’s reshaping the literary landscape. From battling rejection to building a space where local authors can thrive, Sibusiso shares…
21 Aug 17 min