Latest news with #KarenSimpson
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Brighter future for learners as AVBOB literacy campaign expands reach
AMONG this year's beneficiaries of the AVBOB Road to Literacy campaign, in collaboration with Oxford University Press South Africa (OUPSA), are Alipore Primary School, ML Sultan St Mary's Primary School and Wentworth Primary School. The campaign is a nationwide trolley library initiative that improves access to books in communities across the country, with a focus on schools and NPOs. Also read: Find your best words: AVBOB poetry competition entries open in August The announcement was made at an event hosted at the Sandton Hotel in Johannesburg on May 29. The project addresses the ongoing challenges of low literacy and numeracy levels at foundation phase by providing young learners with culturally and linguistically relevant materials in all 11 official written languages. This year's campaign reflects substantial growth from the 180 library trolleys distributed in its inaugural year, 2022. Each of the 1 000 mobile libraries includes 500 OUPSA books selected to support literacy and numeracy skills in alignment with the CAPS curriculum. The total number of books distributed this year will exceed 500 000, up from 250 000 in 2024. Speaking on a panel alongside Carl van der Riet (CEO of AVBOB Group), Karen Simpson (MD of OUPSA), Gugu Ndebele (executive director of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls), the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube remarked: 'This initiative is a powerful example of what can be achieved through partnerships. The campaign addresses a pressing national priority, the development of foundational literacy and numeracy, while supporting policy frameworks aimed at integrating diversity into school curricula. It does so in a way that honours South Africa's linguistic and cultural richness, ensuring that no child is left behind.' Also read: Literacy workshop helps start discussions on promoting reading Simpson added that the partnership reflects the organisation's core belief that literacy is a foundation for lifelong learning and opportunity. 'Access to books in a learner's mother tongue has a profound impact on their ability to grasp foundational concepts, stay engaged in the classroom, and remain in the education system. We are steadfast on publishing our books in all of South Africa's official written languages, and the AVBOB Road to Literacy campaign enables us to place these resources directly in the hands of the learners who need them most.' The trolleys are designed to be mobile, durable, and easy to access in shared or under-resourced learning environments. Along with books that promote reading for enjoyment, they include materials designed to develop numeracy, making the campaign one of the few national projects focused on both reading and mathematics at the foundational phase. The campaign also continues to grow in reach and engagement. This year's campaign received 8 661 nominations from across all nine provinces, submitted by educators, caregivers, community leaders and members of the public. Van der Riet said that although the campaign has grown substantially, its original purpose is to provide access to quality education materials, dignity and hope for a better future. 'Literacy and numeracy are academic skills and critical tools for participation, for opportunity, and dignity.' 'They are the building blocks of future learning and the means by which children are empowered to shape their own lives. The AVBOB Road to Literacy campaign embodies our belief that meaningful social investment must be both practical and purpose driven.' Since 2022, the campaign has evolved from a pilot initiative into one of the most extensive mobile library programmes in the country. Educational experts have long advocated for mother tongue instruction at the early stages of schooling. Research has consistently shown that when children learn to read in their home language, they are more likely to stay in school, perform better academically, and transition successfully to additional languages later in life. For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
eNCA
7 days ago
- Business
- eNCA
AVBOB Road to Literacy campaign gives hope to 1 000 schools and NGOs through trolley libraries
SPONSORED - The 1,000 beneficiaries of the 2025 AVBOB Road to Literacy campaign, in collaboration with Oxford University Press South Africa (OUPSA) are announced. The campaign is a nationwide trolley library initiative that continues to improve access to books in communities across South Africa, with a focus on schools and non-profit organisations (NPOs). The announcement was made at an event hosted at the Sandton Hotel in Johannesburg on 29 May 2025. The project addresses the ongoing challenges of low literacy and numeracy levels at the foundation phase by providing young learners with culturally and linguistically relevant materials in all 11 official written languages. This year's campaign reflects substantial growth from the 180 library trolleys distributed in its inaugural year, 2022. Each of the 1,000 mobile library includes 500 OUPSA books selected to support literacy and numeracy skills in alignment with the CAPS curriculum. The total number of books distributed this year will exceed 500,000, up from 250,000 in 2024. Speaking on a panel alongside Carl van der Riet (CEO of AVBOB Group), Karen Simpson (MD of OUPSA), Gugu Ndebele (Executive Director of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls), the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube remarked: 'This initiative is a powerful example of what can be achieved through partnerships. The campaign addresses a pressing national priority, the development of foundational literacy and numeracy, while supporting policy frameworks aimed at integrating diversity into school curricula. It does so in a way that honours South Africa's linguistic and cultural richness, ensuring that no child is left behind.' Simpson added that the partnership reflects the organisation's core belief that literacy is a foundation for lifelong learning and opportunity. 'Access to books in a learner's mother tongue has a profound impact on their ability to grasp foundational concepts, stay engaged in the classroom, and remain in the education system. We are steadfast on publishing our books in all of South Africa's official written languages, and the AVBOB Road to Literacy campaign enables us to place these resources directly in the hands of the learners who need them most.' Each trolley library is valued at R57,000, bringing the total investment for the 2025 campaign to R57 million. The trolleys are designed to be mobile, durable, and easy to access in shared or under-resourced learning environments. Along with books that promote reading for enjoyment, they include materials designed to develop numeracy, making the campaign one of the few national projects focused on both reading and mathematics at the foundational phase. The campaign also continues to grow in reach and engagement. This year's campaign received 8,661 nominations from across all nine provinces, submitted by educators, caregivers, community leaders and members of the public. Van der Riet said that although the campaign has grown substantially, its original purpose is to provide access to quality education materials, dignity and hope for a better future. 'Literacy and numeracy are academic skills and critical tools for participation, for opportunity, and dignity.' 'They are the building blocks of future learning and the means by which children are empowered to shape their own lives. The AVBOB Road to Literacy campaign embodies our belief that meaningful social investment must be both practical and purpose-driven.' He added that AVBOB, as a mutual society, exists for the benefit of its members and the wider community. 'At AVBOB, giving back to communities is more than a commitment — it's a core part of who we are. We remain deeply guided by our founders' promise of always putting people first, a principle that continues to be the golden thread in everything we do. Through the AVBOB Road to Literacy campaign, we aim to support underserved communities in a way that uplifts and empowers them, while respecting their dignity and fostering lasting impact.' Adding to this sentiment during the 29 May 2025 panel discussion, Ndebele said, 'We believe that education is the most powerful tool for changing a learners' future. Literacy unlocks confidence, agency and opportunity. We are inspired by this initiative's focus, and we hope it will ignite a lifelong love of reading in every child who encounters one of these trolley libraries.' Since 2022, the campaign has evolved from a pilot initiative into one of the most extensive mobile library programmes in the country. Educational experts have long advocated for mother tongue instruction at the early stages of schooling. Research has consistently shown that when children learn to read in their home language, they are more likely to stay in school, perform better academically, and transition successfully to additional languages later in life. Despite this, access to books in African languages remains limited, especially in underfunded schools. The Road to Literacy campaign helps address this gap, ensuring that the joy of reading, and the practical foundation of numeracy, is not restricted by geography or circumstance. Editor's notes: The complete list of the 1,000 beneficiaries of the 2025 Road to Literacy campaign are as follows:
The Citizen
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Avbob R57m literacy drive: 1 000 mobile libraries delivered to schools and NGOs
The 1 000 beneficiaries of the 2025 Avbob Road to Literacy campaign, in collaboration with Oxford University Press South Africa (Oupsa), have been announced. The campaign is a nationwide trolley library initiative that continues to improve access to books in communities across South Africa, with a focus on schools and NPOs. The announcement was made at an event hosted at the Sandton Hotel in Johannesburg last Thursday. The project addresses the ongoing challenges of low literacy and numeracy levels at the foundation phase by providing young learners with culturally and linguistically relevant materials in all 11 official written languages. This year's campaign reflects substantial growth from the 180 library trolleys distributed in its inaugural year in 2022. Each of the 1 000 mobile libraries includes 500 Oupsa books selected to support literacy and numeracy skills in alignment with the CAPS curriculum. This year, more than 500 000 will be distributed, up from 250 000 last year. Books for reading enjoyment are also included. Speaking at the event, Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube said: 'This initiative is a powerful example of what can be achieved through partnerships. The campaign addresses a pressing national priority – the development of foundational literacy and numeracy, while supporting policy frameworks aimed at integrating diversity into school curricula. It does so in a way that honours South Africa's linguistic and cultural richness, ensuring that no child is left behind.' Karen Simpson, the MD of Oupsa, said the partnership reflects the organisation's core belief that literacy is a foundation for lifelong learning and opportunity. 'Access to books in a learner's mother tongue has a profound impact on their ability to grasp foundational concepts, stay engaged in the classroom, and remain in the education system. We are steadfast on publishing our books in all of South Africa's official written languages, and the Avbob Road to Literacy campaign enables us to place these resources directly in the hands of the learners who need them most.' Each trolley library is valued at R57 000, bringing the total investment for the 2025 campaign to R57m. The trolleys are designed to be mobile, durable and easy to access in shared or under-resourced learning environments. The campaign also continues to grow in reach and engagement. This year's campaign received 8 661 nominations for trolley libraries from across all nine provinces, submitted by educators, caregivers, community leaders and members of the public. Avbob CEO Carl van der Riet said that although the campaign has grown substantially, its original purpose is to provide access to quality education materials, dignity and hope for a better future. 'Literacy and numeracy are academic skills and critical tools for participation, for opportunity and dignity. 'They are the building blocks of future learning and the means by which children are empowered to shape their own lives. The Avbob Road to Literacy campaign embodies our belief that meaningful social investment must be both practical and purpose-driven.' He added that Avbob, as a mutual society, exists for the benefit of its members and the wider community. 'At Avbob, giving back to communities is more than a commitment – it's a core part of who we are. We remain deeply guided by our founders' promise of always putting people first, a principle that continues to be the golden thread in everything we do. Through the Avbob Road to Literacy campaign, we aim to support underserved communities in a way that uplifts and empowers them, while respecting their dignity and fostering lasting impact.' Adding to this sentiment, Gugu Ndebele, the executive director of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, said, 'We believe that education is the most powerful tool for changing a learner's future. Literacy unlocks confidence, agency and opportunity. We are inspired by this initiative's focus, and we hope it will ignite a lifelong love of reading in every child who encounters one of these trolley libraries.' Since 2022, the campaign has evolved from a pilot initiative into one of the most extensive mobile library Programmes in the country. Educational experts have long advocated for mother tongue instruction at the early stages of schooling. Research has consistently shown that when children learn to read in their home language, they are more likely to stay in school, perform better academically and transition successfully to additional languages later in life. Despite this, access to books in African languages remains limited, especially in underfunded schools. The Road to Literacy campaign helps address this gap, ensuring that the joy of reading and the practical foundation of numeracy are not restricted by geography or circumstance. For the full list of beneficiaries, click here. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Telegraph
03-03-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
‘I earn six figures and have £40k saved – can I afford to fight against Labour's VAT raid?'
After decades spent teaching primary school children, Karen Simpson decided she would try her luck as an entrepreneur. But the 58-year-old mother of two, who runs three businesses that help train and find work for teachers who become private tutors, is hoping to launch her most ambitious project yet. With £40,000 in the bank, she wants to start Scotland's first trade association for tutors. She says: 'I really want to change the climate of tuition and I want it recognised for the impact it has on education.' However, she estimates the start-up costs for the association will be between £75,000 and £100,000, and is searching for ways to make up the shortfall. The time is ripe for such an organisation, she explains, given the impact of Labour's VAT raid on private schools – but with Scotland's 'completely unregulated' tutoring system, parents forced to seek private tuition have been left wanting. Her association will 'create a high-quality support system for parents', assuring a certification scheme for private tutors and lobbying the Government for support. The Inverness-based former teacher says: 'The schools might not be able to survive – there have been schools that have already closed in Scotland and there will be an impact that is felt by VAT. 'There will be a case for parents looking for outside tuition.' Her own finances are sound, she says, earning her a comfortable six-figure income through running her three companies. But she wants to eventually wind down her businesses – or possibly sell them – to fund the tutoring association. How to value these and find a buyer remains a question. What kind of entity to incorporate her association as is a further puzzle – she likes the funding and networking benefits of a social enterprise, but worries it may be too constraining, wondering whether a simple limited company would be more attractive. Erin Mason, financial planner, St James's Place Choosing the best type of corporate structure is an important consideration for any new business, and there are a number of structures to choose from. The most well-known in Scotland are sole trader, which is one individual usually operating a small-scale business and partnership, which is two or more individuals or companies. A third option is limited company, either as a private limited company or a public listed company (PLC). There are advantages and disadvantages for each type of set up. It would be a good idea to discuss options with an accountant or tax adviser to help work out which is most appropriate. Whether Ms Simpson wants to eventually become a social enterprise will depend on her personal goals and objectives for the business. If she would like a purpose-driven business combining business with social impact, then a social enterprise could be a good option to consider. When exiting a business, it is best to plan a few years ahead and to involve a financial adviser and accountant to maximise the business value and plan in the most tax-efficient way. There are a number of elements involved in valuing a business, such as profits, expenses, the management team, its products and services, clients and the all-important balance sheet. It is likely that the value of a business will be based largely on profits, therefore, it is a good idea to do as much as possible to improve the profitability of the business ahead of a sale. As Ms Simpson's exit planning progresses, she will reach a point where she will need to start approaching potential buyers – she could use a business broker to help source buyers. There are different options for selling a business, including selling it to another person or business, transferring to a family member, and employee or management buy outs. Selling her business tax-efficiently requires careful planning. Depending on the structure of the business and sale, she can look to minimise capital gains tax. She may also qualify for business asset disposal relief (formerly entrepreneurs' relief) which reduces capital gains tax to 10pc on the first £1m of gains. Instead of taking a lump sum on the sale, Ms Simpson could consider an 'earn out' where she takes the payment over a period of time allowing her to spread the capital gains tax liability over a number of years. She can pay this into a pension both while she is running her business and ahead of the business sale. Making use of annual allowances will allow her to manage profits in a tax-efficient way and to save for life after the businesses are sold. She will also need to think about how to invest the proceeds from the sale to help achieve her financial goals. Having a well-diversified portfolio using tax-efficient investments such as pensions, Isas and enterprise investment schemes will help to provide long-term financial security. The decisions Ms Simpson makes before and after exiting the business will be vital to the success of financial planning. Jack Ferguson, financial planner, Melville Independent Ms Simpson is on the brink of her biggest venture yet: launching a tutoring trade association in Scotland. But before she throws herself into this new venture, it's time for a financial reality check. Right now, she is raking in a solid £100,000 per year from her existing businesses. That's a comfortable sum – one that keeps the lights on and ensures the occasional well-deserved holiday. So, before we talk about investing in the new venture, let's ask the big question: how much does she need to live? Once she knows what her family needs, she can set realistic income expectations from the new business without putting herself in financial distress. As noble as the tutoring association might be, nobody wants to be living on instant noodles at 60. Ms Simpson needs a business structure that protects her personal assets while keeping options open for future investment. The best bet is a private limited company as it's the easiest way to attract investors – she also won't be personally liable if things go south and she can sell shares if needed because investors like a slice of the pie. Should she go down the social enterprise route later? Maybe. A Community Interest Company (CIC) could give her access to grants and funding, but it also limits profit distribution. Since she eventually wants to sell licences and memberships, it's best to start as a limited company and reassess later. After all, flexibility is key. She currently owns three businesses that bring in a tidy sum, but to free up capital for the new venture it's time to find them a buyer. Ms Simpson's businesses are worth whatever someone is willing to pay for them. To maximise that value, consider how profitable they are, whether they attract loyal customers and show buyers how they can scale up. Look to competitors who might be keen to absorb the businesses into theirs. There are business brokers who can help find them and websites like Flippa or can connect with buyers. Selling a business comes with a hefty capital gains tax bill – unless you're smart about it. There are ways Ms Simpson can keep more of hard-earned money, too. Entrepreneurs' relief, also known as business asset disposal Relief, allows her to only pay 10pc capital gains tax on the first £1m of business gains, if she qualifies, which would be a big win. Ms Simpson could also consider putting some of the sale proceeds into her pension to reduce taxable income. If she employs family members in the new business, she can use their personal tax allowances to extract money tax-efficiently. Finally, Ms Simpson should also formulate a plan on how to grow her proposed tutoring association. This should include setting revenue goals about how much turnover she needs to make this financially viable. A marketing and sales wing would also be worth investing in eventually.
