In any part of the world, education is a key tool in driving the economy, empowering the young generation, and changing lives across all spheres. With all the different economic conditions and backgrounds globally, for many countries access to education comes with a lot of challenges and South Africa is not any different.
Part of Marlin Technologies Group’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives includes providing support to the educational sector in any way we can thus when the Light to Read NGO reached out to us, we said YES!
The Light to Read NGO aims to supply solar lights to disadvantaged young learners at selected primary schools to enable these learners to read and study in the dark.
Not only does this solar light support the learner, but it also provides a valuable resource for the entire family, enabling them to accomplish various tasks during nighttime. To date, the Light to Read NGO has impacted over 10,000 learners and families.
The Light to Read programme commenced in 2016 when a small group of like-minded individuals got together to help solve a problem. This group of folks had a strong desire to strengthen the educational foundation of learners in South Africa.
Providing light in these households, aids in bridging the education gap with those who have a permanent (or better) energy source and are not faced with the challenges of having to do their homework and household chores only during daylight hours.
Closing the gap in access to lighting and education is essential for promoting equity and ensuring that all children in South Africa have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By addressing the specific challenges faced by South African children, this initiative seeks to improve literacy rates, enhance educational opportunities, and contribute to the overall development of the country’s youth.
The Light to Read programme relies on the support of many kind individuals, corporations, and small businesses alike to bring it to life. Since its inception, the Light-to-Read programme has been steadfast in its commitment to providing solar-powered lights to primary school learners from no-income families.
