The Red Bookshelf Foundation
Bridging the gap between non-urban education and real-world success.
The Red Bookshelf Foundation is the flagship Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme of Kenako Marketing, founded by our CEO, Nkosenhle Hlophe.
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Ensuring no learner is left behind.
Having grown up in a rural community and studied in under-resourced schools, Nkosenhle understands the challenges learners face when transitioning from high school to university and the world of work.
This initiative is his mission to bridge that gap by returning to schools like his and ensuring no learner is left behind due to lack of exposure, guidance, or access to the right resources.
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60
%
Of youth complete Grade 12.
28
%
Black South Africans Complete High School.
16
%
are actually deemed ready for university.
“Books have the wisdom we need. Technology gives us the tools to bring it to life.”
Nkosenhle Hlophe, Founder and CEO, Kenako Marketing
Often lack guidance, information and even the belief.
Many learners in rural schools have never been exposed to the kinds of careers that exist today or those emerging for tomorrow. They often lack guidance, information or even the belief that those futures are possible for them.
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We are opening minds, igniting ambition.
The Red Bookshelf Foundation exists to change that. We are not only giving them books. We are opening minds, igniting ambition and shaping destinies.
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What We Do.
Through The Red Bookshelf Foundation, we equip rural and township high schools with:
The Red Bookshelf
A signature bookshelf stocked with powerful books on business, entrepreneurship, mindset, career development and personal growth. Titles include Outliers, The 5AM Club, Start With Why, Atomic Habits and more.
Career Days
Full-day events hosted on Saturdays where learners engage with professionals, discover various career options, and explore relevant industries and fields, including future-focused ones like Artificial Intelligence.
Tablets with Internet Access
To support research, online learning, career exploration and exposure to technology tools that enhance learning and prepare learners for the digital economy.
Mentorship and Exposure
Learners are guided on what to expect in university, corporate environments and entrepreneurship. They receive simplified book synopses, access to resources from partner institutions and inspiration from real-world stories.
Our Goal.
To empower learners in underprivileged communities to dream boldly, plan wisely and pursue careers that are relevant, resilient and rooted in purpose.
We aim to nurture future-ready youth who can thrive in an ever-changing world.
How you can contribute.
You do not need to be a large organisation to make a meaningful impact. Here is how you can get involved:
Sponsor a RedBookShelf
Provide a school with a branded Red Bookshelf filled with curated career, business and personal development books.
Sponsor Tablets and Internet
Equip schools with internet-connected tablets so learners can research, apply to institutions and access digital learning resources.
Donate Books
Contribute copies of books from our recommended reading list to stock Red Bookshelves across the country.
Volunteer Your Time
Speak at Career Days to share your profession, lessons and advice. Mentor or share your career journey to inspire the next generation. Read a chosen book with learners and lead a discussion on its real-life and career insights.
Fund a Career Day
Support impactful events that introduce learners to real-world career options and inspire their next steps.
Corporate Partnerships
We welcome partnerships with businesses, universities, FET colleges, publishers and NGOs who share our vision of educational transformation.
Be part of the RedBookShelf Foundation.
Be part of the RedBookShelf Foundation.
Be part of the RedBookShelf Foundation.
