Doing good.

This Youth Month, we’re turning the page on something powerful. Our goal? Raise and invest R20 million to improve literacy in South Africa and help rewrite the story for thousands of learners.

Because the facts are hard to ignore:
81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa cant read
78% of public schools don’t have libraries

For many children, books are a luxury. Reading for learning or even for fun is out of reach. But we believe in turning obstacles into opportunities. And with Beyond Words, we’re doing just that.

More than books​
Introducing Beyond Words, a national literacy initiative launched by the Cotton On Foundation in proud partnership with the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation and The Bookery.

Together we’re building more than libraries. We’re growing confidence, creativity and a love of learning.

Here’s how:
• Creating safe, welcoming library spaces in under-resourced schools
• Stocking them with locally written, culturally relevant books
• Training teachers and librarians in reading instruction and library management
• Providing digital tools and literacy software to support modern learning
• Backing it all up with long-term support that makes a lasting difference

To help bring it to life, we’ve partnered with The Bookery. An incredible organisation with a track record of building nearly 100 school libraries and reaching over 98,000 learners. Their expertise means we’re not just making promises but real progress.

How can you help?
From June 16 — July 18, 100% of proceeds from Cotton On Foundation products and donations in South Africa will support Beyond Words literacy initiatives.