Supporting a culture of reading in the Franschhoek Valley
At Pam Golding Properties, our continued support for the Franschhoek Literary Festival is rooted not only in a shared appreciation for literature but also in a commitment to making a meaningful, lasting impact in the communities we serve.
At the heart of the festival lies its School Reading Programme, an initiative aimed at cultivating a culture of reading across under-resourced schools in the Franschhoek Valley. With an ambitious goal of collecting 25,500 books, the programme seeks to meet the South African benchmark of 10 books per learner across the four schools it supports.
To date, more than 8,500 books have already been placed into the hands of young readers, a significant milestone, but one that speaks to an ongoing need. Libraries are not static spaces; they require continual renewal to remain relevant, engaging, and reflective of a world that is constantly evolving. For many learners, access to books remains limited, yet the impact of a single story can be profound.
What makes this programme particularly effective is its hands-on, sustained approach. Each school is supported by a dedicated library facilitator, ensuring that reading becomes part of the weekly rhythm of school life. Facilitators are trained and mentored by an experienced librarian, strengthening both the infrastructure and the long-term success of each library.
Beyond access to books, the programme actively nurtures a love of reading through a range of initiatives, from literary quizzes and author visits to reading activities and year-end awards that recognise and celebrate progress. It is this consistent engagement that transforms reading from a task into a source of enjoyment, curiosity and confidence.
Currently, the programme supports four schools:
- Dalubuhle Primary
- Groendal Primary
- Wemmershoek Primary
- Wes-Eind Primary
Together, these schools represent a growing community of young readers.
How you can contribute:
- Donate books at our offices in Franschhoek, Paarl, Val de Vie, Wellington and Worcester
- Purchase a book during the festival for direct donation
- Make a financial contribution to support the programme Back-a-Buddy
- Look out for our Heart of Gold stands at the following bookstores: Bargain Books at Paarl Mall, Exclusive Books at Winelands Square and at the festival.
Join us in placing 25,000 books into young hands.
