In 2009, Axium Education began as a small idea with big dreams. Two educators worked with 40 learners in the Eastern Cape, a region where opportunity often feels out of reach. Fast forward to today, and that small idea has grown into a community of over 300 team members, supporting more than 7,000 children across 40 schools. At the heart of this effort is the Nobalisa Program—a name that means "storyteller." And what a story it has been.
The Eastern Cape is a place of contrasts. On the one hand, there are strong cultural roots, vibrant communities, and untapped potential. On the other, there are harsh realities: 81% of South African Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning, and in this region, only 16% of isiXhosa-speaking Grade 3 learners achieve that milestone. Youth unemployment exceeds 80% in some areas, while a looming rural teacher shortage threatens further decline. This is where the Nobalisa Program steps in, creating hope for these intertwined challenges.
Since its inception, the program has grown steadily and increasingly shows real impact. The program uses the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach, which tailors small group instruction to meet learner’s actual “level”. Early results show participants consistently outperforming their peers in national literacy assessments. It’s not just about improved test scores; it’s about children discovering the joy of reading and accessing worlds that once felt out of reach.
But literacy is only one part of the story. Over the past two years, the program has provided jobs for over 150 young people, drawn from the communities we serve. These dynamic facilitators not only support learners but are also being trained to become future educators themselves. This dual focus—helping students today while preparing teachers for tomorrow—is creating a ripple effect that strengthens entire communities.
By 2025, Axium has set its sights on a bold milestone: reaching over 10,000 learners and expanding Nobalisa to 50 schools. The program will also undergo an external evaluation as it continues to build an evidence base around effective “social employment” models in a rural context. This growth is as much about quality as it is about reach, ensuring that every learner receives the support they need.
The vision doesn’t stop there. By 2030, Axium aims to be part of a national movement around literacy and youth employment, creating pathways for every rural learner to thrive. At its core, the Nobalisa story is about unlocking potential. Every child who learns to read, every teaching assistant who finds purpose, and every school that sees improved outcomes contributes to a brighter future for the Eastern Cape.
The journey is far from over. The next steps include deeper partnerships, sharing insights through conferences and collaborations, and continuing to innovate while staying closely connected to the communities Axium serves. The long-term vision remains clear: to ensure every rural learner leaves school with purpose, agency, and options.
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