CBN is Changing the Lives of SA Children, One Reading Toolbox at a Time

Photo Credit: Supplied by Penny Louw (Children’s Book Network)

The Children’s Book Network’s inspiring Reading Toolboxes are helping young South Africans discover the joy of reading, unlock their potential and imagine brighter futures through books, play and possibility.

South Africa (13 July 2026) – We love a programme that aims to put a book in a child’s hands or help them tap into undiscovered potential. The Children’s Book Network’s latest reading initiative does both!

The organisation’s innovative and unique “Toolboxes” (an overall reading plan covering three critical reading years) provide themed material aimed at introducing children to the pleasure of reading, the thrill of learning in a fun way, and the sense of power and possibility this skill can give them.

This directly responds to the concerning literacy crisis in our country, where thousands of children struggle to read for meaning.

There are five sets of Toolboxes aimed at children between the ages of 10 and 14. They each contain guides that children can use themselves, as well as fun activities, games and books relevant to the topics being explored.

This targeted age group is made up of children who are least likely to be given reading intervention, but who are ready to benefit from being able to read for meaning.

“Our biggest thrill is watching a child grasp reading, start to enjoy it and ask for more books,” says CBN board member Penny Louw.

Photo Credit: Supplied by Penny Louw (Children’s Book Network)

Already in use in some schools, Penny says the results are speaking for themselves.

“Now we are ready to provide the means for children all over the country to have this opportunity.”

As an NPO, Children’s Book Network lacks the skills, infrastructure and capital needed to develop this project into a viable business.

“But we can provide the basic educational materials for our Reading Toolboxes to be grown into a reading upliftment project that could reach children across South Africa, and even beyond our borders, improving reading exponentially,” says Penny, who hopes to see the initiative grow and expand into something bigger.

“This is the perfect opportunity for a person who has the capital and capacity to scale this project. We really believe that this is a project that can change the future of children all over the country.”

For 11 years, CBN has provided workshops that are both fun and educational, igniting a light in the eyes of children who suddenly discover the world of reading and the possibilities this skill opens up for them.

For more information on opportunities to grow the Reading Toolboxes initiative and get it to more children, visit the Children’s Book Network website or email Penny Louw at [email protected].