450 Learners.
Two Schools.
One Day of Possibility.
On 1 September 2026, the RedBookshelf Foundation took its Career Day & Reading Initiative to Mkhambathini, KwaZulu-Natal, bringing together approximately 450 Grade 11 learners from Banqobile High School and Ngangezwe High School.
It was a day centred on one simple idea: helping young people see what is possible beyond the classroom.
Through career conversations, tertiary education guidance, reading engagements and interactions with professionals, learners were given the opportunity to explore different pathways for their future.
Representatives from Durban University of Technology (DUT), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) and Berea Technical College were also on hand to share valuable insights into study options, career choices and opportunities available after matric.
But while the day may have come to an end, the impact will continue.
Each school received a Red Bookshelf filled with books.
These books will remain within the schools as a lasting resource for learners, creating continued access to knowledge, stories and ideas that can inspire them to look beyond their immediate surroundings and imagine a different future.
The Power of Partnership
None of this would be possible without the organisations, institutions and individuals who believe in the power of education, access and opportunity.
A special thank you to:
And to our participating tertiary institutions:
DUT | MUT | Berea Technical College
To every partner, volunteer, professional and individual who contributed their time, books, resources or expertise, thank you for helping us put knowledge and opportunity within reach of these learners.
And Now, We Keep Going.
Next stop: Gauteng | 18 March 2027
Mkhambathini was not the destination. It was another step in a growing journey.
In March 2027, the RedBookshelf Foundation will take the initiative to Gauteng, where we aim to reach approximately 800 learners from three schools:
- Badirile Secondary School
- Relebogile Secondary School
- Tswasongu Secondary School
The day will once again bring learners together for reading, career exposure, tertiary education guidance, motivational engagements and access to professionals, while ensuring each participating school receives its own Red Bookshelf stocked with books.
Be Part of the Next Chapter
As we continue to grow, we are inviting corporates, tertiary institutions, professionals, authors, volunteers and individuals to join us in reaching more schools and more learners.
Whether you choose to donate books, sponsor a bookshelf, support a RedBookshelf Day, provide learner resources, share your expertise or partner with us, your contribution can help create access to knowledge and opportunity.
More Schools. More Books. More Exposure. Bigger Dreams.
Because sometimes, changing a young person’s future starts with something as simple as putting the right book, the right information or the right person in front of them at the right time.
The next chapter starts with us.
