In this episode of Our voice, our future, powered by Breadline Africa, we explore the transformative power of literacy in shaping young lives and communities.

With 82% of South African grade four students unable to read for meaning, access to books and literacy programmes is more critical than ever.

Join us as we speak with Derek Carelse from The Little Issue, a groundbreaking initiative providing free, curriculum-aligned reading material to young learners across South Africa. We also hear from Dorette Louw from Book Dash, a non-profit dedicated to making high-quality, diverse children’s books freely available to under-resourced communities.

Every child deserves the right to read, to learn and to dream.

Credits:

Production: Creafluence Pty Ltd

Music: Pixabay_music

Images: Canva

Reference Articles:

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2025/02/04/south-africa-afe-transforming-the-basic-education-sector-can-drive-inclusive-growth

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/learning-south-africa-evolving-education-landscape

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/02/south-africa-broken-and-unequal-education-perpetuating-poverty-and-inequality/

https://www.trade.gov/market-intelligence/south-africa-education-leading-trends-changing-learning-landscape

https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/371/237029.html

https://www.enca.com/analysis/over-80-10-year-old-south-africans-battle-read-study

Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR7NW2jBldY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPgjx0TT4Wg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmUdvTQRbvQ

**Podcast Description: Our Voice, Our Future – Episode 3: The Power of Literacy**

In this episode of *Our Voice, Our Future*, powered by Breadline Africa, we explore the transformative power of literacy in shaping young lives and communities. With 78% of South African Grade 4 learners unable to read for meaning, access to books and literacy programs is more critical than ever.

Join us as we speak with Derek Carelse from The Little Issue, a groundbreaking initiative providing free, curriculum-aligned reading material to young learners across South Africa. We also hear from Dorette Louw from Book Dash, a non-profit dedicated to making high-quality, diverse children’s books freely available to underprivileged communities.

Tune in as we discuss the barriers to literacy, the role of community-driven initiatives, and how innovative publishing models are helping to close the literacy gap.

#LiteracyForAll #OurVoiceOurFuture

Thousands of South African schools still rely on unsafe pit toilets, putting children’s lives at risk every day. Despite promises of change, this crisis continues to impact education, health, and dignity.

In this episode, our host, Arafat Gatabazi, speaks with Brian Lewis, Director at Envirosan Sanitation Solutions, to explore:

* The reality of sanitation in South African schools

* The devastating effects of unsafe toilets on children’s safety and education

* How organisations like Breadline Africa and WaterAid SA are making a difference

* How you can take action to push for change

Take Action:

📍 Report unsafe school toilets: Safe Schools App


📢 Advocate for policy change


🤝 Support NGOs like Breadline Africa

Every child deserves a safe, dignified learning environment.

#SafeSchools #EndPitToilets #SanitationForAll #BreadlineAfrica

Credits:

Production: Creafluence PTY LTD

Video:

* YouTube Video 1

* YouTube Video 2

Music: Pixabay.com

Reference Links:

* Breadline Africa – Toilet Crisis

* GroundUp’s article

* BBC News – South Africa

* Amnesty International

* UNICEF

* UNICEF WASH Programmes

* WaterAid South Africa

* SA News – Pit Toilets Eradication

* Business Live – Sanitation & Education

If the old adage is true, “If we change the beginning of the story, we change the whole story, " a lot needs to be done to address Africa's nurturing care deficit and ensure that the future of children on the African continent is bright. The Nurturing Care Framework is a global strategy designed to ensure that every child has the chance to survive, grow, and reach their full potential. But despite this clear understanding, millions of children in Africa face significant barriers that prevent them from thriving.

To explore this complex issue, we're joined today by Patricia Martin-Wiesner a policy, organisational development, advocacy, and system’s strengthening expert specialising in rights-based governance to build human capital for sustainable development.

Discover how we can work together to bridge this critical gap and secure a brighter future for Africa’s children.

Credits

Produced by Creafluence PTY LTD

Video clips

· UNICEF Report | 23% of children in SA live in severe food poverty: Toby Fricker

https://youtu.be/Ug2_PGhtcBs?si=AVxnlAjq72ozctCv

· COP29 | Children across the globe hit by climate crisis

https://youtu.be/AqxK_icf6eo?si=xDdcN2gYUeD23lmd

· Nurturing Care Program in Siaya - Part One

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EThtiAXnbXU

Music:

Licensor's Username:

https://pixabay.com/users/good_b_music-22836301/

Licensee:

u_ru7kovq3qd

Audio File Title:

Cinematic Chillhop Main

Audio File URL:

https://pixabay.com/music/beats-cinematic-chillhop-main-6676/

Pictures:

Pictures are licensed by Pixabay

Child face africa by Manuela Milani

Group Children Boy, education by Ean254 (Ian Ingalula)

Black and White Boy by Wendy Corniquet