Literacy Hat Challenge

We believe that every child has the right to learn to read. Yet in South Africa, 81% of children aged 9–10 cannot read for meaning, highlighting the scale of the literacy crisis.

The Mellon Educate Literacy Programme is designed to address this challenge by improving access to education and supporting children at a critical stage in their development. By sponsoring a Literacy Hat, you are taking part in a meaningful literacy fundraising challenge that directly helps a child discover the power of reading, a gift that can change lives forever.

Our approach goes beyond supporting children alone. We train unemployed young adults (aged 18–28) from local communities to become Community Literacy Tutors, equipping them with the skills to deliver one-on-one literacy support in schools and Literacy Hubs.

This creates a powerful “double impact”, improving literacy outcomes for children while providing meaningful employment and training opportunities for young people.

By supporting the Literacy Hat campaign, you are helping to build stronger communities, improve education, and create lasting change through literacy.

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Express Your Interest

How the Literacy Hat Challenge Works

Taking part in the Literacy Hat challenge is simple and every step directly supports children’s education and literacy development.

Make a contribution by sponsoring a Literacy Hat, helping to fund the Mellon Educate Literacy Programme and supporting children learning to read.

Support Literacy and Education

Your sponsorship helps provide one-on-one literacy tutoring, learning resources, and access to safe, supportive Literacy Hubs where children can develop essential reading skills.

Create Real Impact

Each Literacy Hat sponsored contributes to improving literacy outcomes for children while also supporting the training and employment of Community Literacy Tutors.

Take part as a school, company, sports club, or community group and share your involvement in the literacy fundraising challenge, helping to raise awareness and inspire others to get involved.