Reimagining Access to Literacy
Imagine a world where every child has access to the tools they need to succeed. In South Africa, that vision remains a challenge — millions of children still grow up without access to books, libraries, or nurturing spaces to learn.
At Project XXI, we believe that literacy is not just a skill — it’s the foundation of empowerment. That belief inspired the launch of our pilot project at Andrew Moyake School of Excellence, a community-driven initiative that is transforming how young learners engage with reading, learning, and each other.
The Project XXI Approach
Since our beginnings in 2018, Project XXI has been bridging the gap between well-resourced and under-resourced schools — creating partnerships that make literacy accessible to all.
At Andrew Moyake School of Excellence, our team introduced a holistic literacy program designed to build curiosity, confidence, and community ownership.
Key elements of the program include:
- Smart Reading Programme – nurturing comprehension, confidence, and joy in reading.
- Book Reviews & Reading Reflections – helping learners engage critically with what they read.
- Book Care Workshops – teaching responsibility and respect for shared resources.
- Outings to Buy Books – encouraging ownership by involving learners in the book selection process.
- The Joy of Holding a Book – reintroducing the tactile, emotional connection to physical books in an increasingly digital world.
Every activity is built on the philosophy “Nothing about them without them.” Learners and teachers lead, manage, and sustain their own reading spaces with ongoing support from Project XXI’s team and partners.
Changing Lives One Page at a Time
At Andrew Moyake School of Excellence, Project XXI’s pilot initiative has become a blueprint for community-driven literacy development. The program has inspired student-led reading clubs, teacher-managed libraries, and sustainable models of learning ownership.
Looking toward the future, our goal is to establish 21 book clubs by the year 2030 — each serving as a vibrant hub of curiosity, creativity, and community connection. Through programs like the Books Beyond Borders exchange and our Speed Reading Initiative inspired by Jim Kwik’s philosophy, learners are developing the confidence and tools to read faster, comprehend better, and think critically — unlocking their potential to learn and lead.
The Human Story Behind the Mission
Project XXI’s work is rooted in the personal journey of Vuyokazi Jamieson, our founder and director.
Growing up in a challenging environment, Vuyokazi’s first classroom was under a tree — yet her mother, an educator, instilled in her the love of reading and learning that now drives the organization’s vision.
Her story reminds us that circumstances do not define potential.
When she spoke to learners at Andrew Moyake School of Excellence, her message was simple yet powerful:
“Your circumstances are the starting point, not the definition of who you are. Education is your key — and books are the doorway.”
She challenged students to read one book a month, start book clubs, and write reviews to share their insights — not only to grow individually, but to inspire their peers and communities.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Change
The success of the Andrew Moyake project has become a model for what’s possible when communities take ownership of learning.
By pairing access with empowerment, Project XXI is building more than libraries — we’re building leadership, creativity, and a culture of reading that endures.
We know we can’t do it alone. Every book donated, every volunteer hour, and every shared story helps us move closer to a world where every child has access to knowledge and opportunity.
Join us in building this future.
Your time, resources, and passion can help us reach more schools, more learners, and more communities.
Together, we can close the literacy gap — one story, one reader, and one community at a time.
