ABC for Life, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to enhancing literacy among children in underserved communities, is transforming the lives of young learners in Hout Bay. Bay Harbour Market, a family-friendly community market, celebrates these efforts and encourages support from others. 

Established by Lola Kramer and Val Toledo, ABC for Life has been on a 17-year mission to overcome literacy barriers, ensuring all children have the chance to become literate. Driven by their passion for education and concern for literacy challenges, Kramer and Toledo aimed to bridge the gap for children hindered by poverty, lack of resources, and learning difficulties.

“ABC for Life believes every child can become literate with the right support. The organisation envisions a community where all children receive the necessary tools to achieve literacy, building a strong foundation for their education and future success,” says Gailyn Scarpa, Head Teacher at ABC for Life. 

The organisation supports four underserved schools in Cape Town, including Hout Bay Primary in Imizamo Yethu and Sentinel Primary in Hangberg. ABC for Life’s educators provide whole-class literacy lessons and small group sessions for children needing extra help. These sessions, with up to 10 children each, aim to reduce academic failure and early drop-out rates. Additionally, the weakest learners receive one-on-one lessons, supported by community volunteers.

Engaging with the communities they serve is vital to ABC for Life’s approach. The organisation collaborates with school staff and students and recruits volunteers to assist learners individually, strengthening educational support and community ties.

ABC for Life recently launched a Grade 3 Reading Programme, pairing volunteers with learners who need ongoing reading support. Operating every Tuesday morning, this programme often provides the only reading time for these learners. The organisation plans to expand this initiative to Grade 4 and is actively seeking volunteers

In collaboration with Ziyaad's Skate School and Love In A Bowl, ABC for Life offers literacy support to skaters weekly. Many of these children have dropped out of school or face significant struggles, and the organisation hopes to increase this support with additional funding.

ABC for Life relies on public donations to fund its literacy programmes. For as little as R50, individuals can provide a learner with an alphabet set, aiding their literacy development.  The organisation also constantly needs volunteers to read with learners, making a direct impact on their educational progress.

Join Bay Harbour Market in bringing awareness to ABC for Life as they seek to build a literate, empowered community in Hout Bay.

For more information on how to support ABC for Life or to become a volunteer, please visit their website www.abcforlife.org.