Sponsors Return

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Why sponsors return year after year

• Visits to these primary schools reveal the enormous needs that exist within rural education. Resources are limited – books are almost non-existent – and teachers are among the least qualified in the country. Visitors are struck by the raw potential of the young children and the realisation that their investment in the schools, together with that of other Rally partners, will enhance the future choices open to them.
  
  The reading skill level of the average 16-year-old child in a rural school lags up to seven years behind that of urban children. Without effective reading and writing skills, the likelihood of completing high school or tertiary education is as limited as the prospect of future work. This has serious implications for a country which desperately requires the development of small business in rural areas and which cannot accommodate the further migration to cities of under-educated jobseekers.
  
  Independent evaluations of the READ programme have shown that after a 3-year READ intervention in a school, learners on average advance two years in reading skills, and four years in writing skills, compared to learners in other schools.
• Participants experience Africa at its best The Rally convoys travel to beautiful, little-visited parts of the country and are given traditional warm welcomes wherever they pause.
• Off-road enthusiasts put their vehicles to excellent use Drivers have the opportunity to challenge their vehicles, under the guidance of experienced convoy leaders, in beautiful surroundings.
• The weekend accommodation costs participants nothing Sponsors are guests of the organisers of the project: McCarthy Limited, the Financial Mail as well as our co-hosts, these being United Bulk in the Free State, De Beers: Finsch Mines; Idwala Mine and PPC Lime in the Northern Cape, Mercedes-Benz SA (formerly DaimlerChrysler) in the Eastern Cape, and SA Sugar Association in KwaZulu-Natal South. All money contributed by Rally partners is thus invested in the schools. An increasing number of companies are therefore taking the opportunity to combine social investment with the opportunity to invite and build relationships with colleagues or customers.
• The Rally has evolved into a holistic programme as a result of the involvement of various Rally sponsors The professional development programme for School Principals aims to maximise the sustainability and impact of the literacy programme within individual schools. The science development component builds on the improved literacy skill levels. The delivery of stationery ensures that teachers have the tools to teach and the children have additional writing materials, calculators and the like. All in all, the Rally to Read demonstrates the synergies that result from concerned people working together for a cause.