Stories of Impact

Here you can read about some of the real-life examples of lives positively impacted through the READucate Program.

From incarcerated individuals finding purpose within and beyond confinement, to young people living in poverty given the opportunity to learn to read and write. It’s stories like these that motivate the READucate team.

Junius Malema

While serving a sentence of 15 years, 6 months in South Africa, Junius Malema was trained as a READucate Instructor and went on to teach fellow inmates to read. His impact was so significant that the year of his parole, Junius was asked by administration to stay an additional year to continue his teaching. Knowing the importance of the program, Junius chose to stay for that additional year. 

Since leaving the correctional centre, Junius has taught over 80 people to become READucate Instructors who have in turn taught over 1400 people to read.

Junius describes his involvement with READucate as the best part of his incarceration. Junius is now the READucate Program Lead in South Africa.

 

Mrs Lorraine M. and her family

Mrs M. was working as a cashier before completing the READucate Program. 

Upon completion, she was promoted to Human Resources Officer, and later became the Client Liaison Officer for a technology company. She is currently running her own business, Leago Construction cc, under the mentorship of the first CEO of Vodacom.

Mrs M. went on to teach her three children to read through the READucate Program. All three children have since achieved tertiary level qualifications and now hold executive and management positions.

Brighter Futures

  • Jane* 20 years old, Philippines

    Having never attended school, Jane is currently learning to read through the Learn-to-Read Program. Since starting, Jane has decided she wants to be a doctor.

  • Mark* 12 years old, Philippines

    Currently attending a Learn-to-Read Program, Mark began with the literacy level of a kindergartener. Since starting, he has expressed the desire to become a policeman.

  • Rita* 6 years old, Philippines

    The Learn-to-Read Program is Rita’s first opportunity to learn. She is enjoying the experience so much she now wants to be a teacher.

    *Names changed due to child protection status