We build reading corners in rural schools, fill them with books and train teachers to keep them alive. Honest work, one classroom at a time.
Donate
Volunteer
BooksChosen with teachers
ShelvesBuilt to last
TrainingFor every school
The problem
Many rural schools have no library and no books for children to take home.
Without books, children fall behind before they have a chance to love reading. A small, well-stocked corner changes that, and it does not take much to start.
We build
Reading corners in classrooms
We stock
Books children want to read
We support
Teachers who keep it going
Our impact
What your support has built so far
Illustrative figures to be replaced with our latest totals.
Schools reached
Add your total number of schools with a reading corner here.
Books shared
Add the number of books placed on shelves across all schools.
Children reading
Add the number of children who now have books within reach.
Shelves built
Each corner is built with simple, sturdy local materials.
Teachers trained
Teachers learn how to run reading time and care for books.
Yearly check-ins
We return to each school to refresh books and see what is working.
Where it goes
How your donation is used
We keep things simple and open about where every contribution goes.
01
Books and shelves
Most of your gift buys books and the shelving to hold them.
02
Teacher training
Workshops help teachers make reading part of every week.
03
Delivery and setup
Getting books to remote schools and setting up each corner.
04
Running the charity
A small share covers admin so the work can continue.
Teacher stories
Heard from the classroom
Illustrative notes from teachers who use the reading corners.
TThaboGrade 3 teacher
Children now ask to read at break time. The corner is the busiest spot in my classroom.
Read moreGGraceHead teacher
Some pupils had never owned a book. Now they fight over who reads the new ones first.
Read moreSSiphoGrade 5 teacher
The training gave me simple ideas for reading time, and the children love them.
Read more
We work alongside partner organisations who share our belief in reading.
GGreenfield Trust
BBookwise
RRural Learning Alliance
SSunrise Publishers
Upcoming events
Come and read, give and help with us
Spring
Community book drive
Drop off new or gently used children's books. Dates to be announced.
Summer
Volunteer shelf-building day
Join us to build shelves and pack books for the next schools.
Autumn
Storytelling evening
An evening of stories and thanks for our supporters.
Winter
Sponsored read-a-thon
Read, collect pledges and help fill another reading corner.
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Sign up for our newsletter to hear which schools got new corners and how you can help next.
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Open Shelf Foundation
Building reading corners in rural schools, one classroom at a time.
