South Africa is plagued with struggles that have impeded its progress in key developmental areas. With an HIV infection rate of over 20 percent and rampant social and economic inequalities, many South Africans have been left marginalized and denied their right to important social services. The situation is particularly dire for the country’s education system. According to the Population Census conducted by Statistics South Africa in 1996, almost 40% of the population over 20 years of age have no schooling whatsoever, and only 6% have completed primary schooling.

In rural Limpopo, South Africa’s second poorest province, earning an education is a goal few achieve. Almost half of the population is unemployed, mainly due to an education system that has failed to provide quality education and keep children enrolled. Many schools lack the supplies and facilities required to meet the learning needs of their young students. Teachers are often under-trained and schools are not given adequate funding to stay operational. Educators are therefore unable to effectively prepare their students with the skills that will ensure their success in school -- and their eventual success in life.

For over two decades, READ Educational Trust has been developing resources for disadvantaged schools and conducting training at all levels of educational engagement. Through funding from the Goldman Sachs Foundation, READ is working to improve the quality of education provided in ten government secondary schools in Limpopo. By training teachers, providing learning resources to schools, and improving the language and learning skills of students, READ is ensuring that children in the province will receive a quality education and greatly improve their chances of success in the future.