Uphakanyiso: Empowering Children through Books

In a world where access to education and resources is not always guaranteed, there are organizations working to make a real difference. One such organization is Uphakanyiso, dedicated to ensuring that every child has access to the books they need to succeed.

With us in the studio was Athenkosi Prince Ntshentshe, the founder of Uphakanyiso, and gain deeper insight into the incredible work his organization is doing in the community. Through reading sessions and an innovative approach to early childhood education, Athenkosi and his team are making hugh impact. Athenkosi stewarded it alone and by now Uphakanyiso already has 11 employees.

Beyond their reading sessions, Uphakanyiso also organizes lectures and community meetings, giving parents, educators, and anyone passionate about literacy the opportunity to engage, learn, and support their mission.

Athenkosi shared how his personal experiences motivated him to start Uphakanyiso. Growing up with his cousin, who lacked the support to engage in reading or schoolwork, Athenkosi realized how critical it is to nurture a child’s development from a young age. This sparked his passion to create an environment where children not only have the opportunity to learn but are also encouraged to engage with books from an early age.

One of the organization’s core missions is to ensure that every child owns a sufficient number of books. Athenkosi explained that children should aim to have at least a hundred books by the age of five. This is crucial, as the more books children are exposed to, the better their cognitive and language development becomes and it also makes you stand stronger in the world. The approach of Uphakanyiso is not just about having books but about using those books in a way that enhances the learning experience.

Uphakanyiso hosts reading sessions where they read to children using books with rich, illustrative images. This method, which is especially effective for children starting at the age of four, helps to engage young minds and support their literacy development. By combining pictures with text, children learn not only to associate words with images but also to understand the context of what they are reading. 

Looking ahead, the future of Uphakanyiso is even more exciting. In 2025, the organization plans to open its own Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre, which is a huge milestone. The centre will provide a safe, supportive environment where children can receive the attention and education they deserve. 

To get involved with Uphakanyiso’s mission, you can reach out via Instagram or TikTok by searching for Uphakanyiso. Athenkosi welcomes direct messages for more information or to inquire about donating books to support the cause. Every contribution helps in creating a brighter future for the children Uphakanyiso serves.

Athenkosi closed our conversation with an important message for all parents:
"Reading just one page with your child every night can make a big difference."