Pretoria, South Africa – 31 January 2025 – Ford South Africa, in partnership with the READ Educational Trust’s Rally to Read initiative, has successfully completed the final phase of a three-year educational project aimed at improving literacy in six under-resourced schools near its Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria. This milestone reinforces Ford’s unwavering commitment to literacy, teacher development, and educational resources for learners in disadvantaged communities.
A Legacy of Literacy Support
Ford’s involvement with Rally to Read spans over 25 years, making it one of the longest-standing corporate partnerships in education development in South Africa. This initiative highlights Ford’s dedication to enhancing literacy and educational outcomes for learners, particularly in communities where resources are scarce.
“Rally to Read is a reminder of how powerful education can be. Studies by READ show how this initiative is narrowing the reading gap for children in disadvantaged areas and improving their chances for a better future,” said Esther Buthelezi, Government Affairs and Transformation Director at Ford South Africa. “It’s not just about bringing books and resources to schools. It’s about instilling hope in children, their families, and communities, showing them that a brighter future is possible and that we all have a role to play in making it happen.”
Impacting Schools and Communities
The Rally to Read programme has significantly shaped the educational landscape in South Africa by delivering much-needed reading materials, teacher training in language methodologies and digital literacy, and fostering parental engagement in their children’s learning. These efforts are implemented in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education, the School Management Team (SMT), and the School Governing Body (SGB), ensuring sustained teacher development and support.
The six schools benefiting from this initiative include:
- Mamelodi: Zamintuthuko Primary School, Boikgantso Primary School
- Nellmapius: Nellmapius Ext 6, Vukauzenzele Primary School
- Eersterust: Nantes Primary School, PS Fourie Primary School
Each year of the three-year programme builds on the previous one, enhancing literacy levels among learners while equipping teachers with the skills and resources needed to foster a culture of reading. “It is truly heart-warming to see the positive impact that this project has on the children each year that we return to the schools,” Buthelezi added. “The improved literacy levels and the love of reading are evident in the learners, while teachers are better equipped with the skills and tools to provide effective education through each learning phase.”
Delivering Knowledge with Ford’s Iconic Ranger
A convoy of Ford vehicles, including the proudly South African-built Ranger bakkies, played a crucial role in delivering essential educational resources. Employees from Ford South Africa, along with members of the media, participated in distributing books, learning materials, and digital literacy tools such as smart projectors, ensuring that these schools have access to up-to-date teaching methods and interactive learning experiences.
These resources help build essential 21st-century skills and prepare learners for an increasingly digital world. The expansion of the programme into digital literacy reflects a broader commitment to modernising education and equipping both students and educators with critical skills.
A Brighter Future Through Education
Ford’s continued support for Rally to Read highlights the company’s broader mission of fostering sustainable community development through education. “This is more than merely a corporate initiative for Ford. It’s a reflection of our deep commitment to supporting education and empowering communities,” Buthelezi stated.
Over the past quarter-century, Ford’s contribution to Rally to Read has helped thousands of learners develop essential literacy skills, paving the way for a brighter future. The programme’s impact extends beyond the classroom, fostering a culture of learning and personal growth that benefits entire communities.
As Ford completes this three-year cycle in Pretoria, the company reaffirms its long-standing dedication to educational development, ensuring that more learners have the tools they need to succeed—one book, one lesson, and one bright future at a time.
