Strengthening families in the Southern Drakensberg
Making Reading a Shared & Valuable Pleasure
The Family Literacy Project believes that reading becomes powerful when it is shared. For over 26 years, we have worked alongside rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal to nurture a love of reading across generations.
Through practical, locally grounded programmes, families are rediscovering the joy of stories, strengthening their literacy skills, and together, building stronger learning foundations for children.
Today, our flagship programmes, Khulisa Abantwana and Reach Out to Read, continue to spark this transformation -helping both young and old grow in confidence, connection, and capability as readers.
A love of books will lay the foundation for future learning, relaxation and enjoyment
Our Key Focus Areas
Reach Out to Read
Reach Out to Read is a structured, evidence-based literacy programme supporting children to develop strong foundational reading skills from an early age.
Rooted in under-resourced communities, the programme connects homes, schools, and local networks to create environments where reading can grow and thrive.
Adult Literacy
Utilizing the REFLECT methodology, we empower adults by integrating literacy with community development. Our programs foster a supportive learning environment where adult learners gain the confidence to participate actively in their communities.
A major focus in the group is encouraging the Adult carers to talk to their children, read books with their children and help them with letter sounds.
Community Libraries
The Family Literacy Project supports community libraries that help build a strong culture of reading among children, families, and the wider community. In many rural areas, access to books is limited and public libraries are often far away. Our libraries help bring books closer to the people who need them.
Early Learning
Our early learning initiatives focus on creating a strong literacy foundation for young children through engaging and interactive activities.
Our delightful Home Visiting program, “Khulisa Abantwana” equips members of the Adult Groups with special skills to share with neighbours where there are toddlers.
2025/2026
7120
Attended Holiday
Reading Programme
7571
Books Borrowed from
FLP Community Libraries
3521
Toddlers in
ROTR Groups
995
Reach Out to Read
Programme Learners
Our Latest News
We are expecting our second visit from Boston State University this month. As in 2025 they plan to bring out about 20 students and staff for a Learning Tour which includes in-depth exposure to all the programmes run by the Family Literacy Project, and an opportunity to be involved in the various activities. Our team benefits from professional input on Social Work-related topics and both teams forge deep and mind- broadening relationships.
Empowering change and making a difference
Families are the first and most important teachers a child will ever have
It is estimated that one million children in South Africa live in families where no adults are literate. Our aim is to make literacy a shared pleasure and valuable skill.
Families are the first and most important teachers a child will ever have. It is estimated that one million children in South Africa live in families where no adults are literate. The stats tell us that 70% of Grade 4 children cannot read with meaning Our aim is not only to make reading a valuable skill and shared pleasure but to raise the reading level of every child within our reach.
Our Supporters
You can Make a Difference!
Donate Now to Help Support our Family Literacy Project
Every contribution helps us provide essential resources and helps us share our learning through consultancy, courses, materials development, and more.