hel2read is a charity registered in the UK and South Africa. It delivers s an educational development programme that builds literacy skills and enables mastery in reading in children who come from disadvantaged communities in South Africa and who are not first language English speakers. Our programme is premised on the fact that a child who cannot read cannot learn. The ability to read has a direct impact on the acquisition of language and the development of thinking and analytical skills. Together with language and syntax, literacy builds the cognitive architecture that is essential for our ability to comprehend, construct, deconstruct , and organise our thoughts and ultimately our actions. These are essential ingredients for academic achievement. Without the ability to read, children cannot progress to realise their potential. We seek to intervene at the earliest possible stage of reading activity to ensure that children can benefit from school attendance and reach their full potential.