Last week we gathered at Global Village to celebrate another meaningful year of the Bitou 10 Foundation’s Reading and English Project — now marking an incredible 11 years of literacy intervention in Bitou.

WRITTEN BY Lindy

November 2025

The morning passed with a message from the Bitou 10 Foundation Chairperson, Douglas Baartman and a heartfelt address from Pippa Ford, who has been the driving force behind this project from day one. Pippa reflected on what lies at the core of this work: ensuring that every child learns to read in the Foundation Phase so they can reach their full potential. As she reminded us, reading truly is “the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible.”

Pippa used the moment to honour the people who make this intervention what it is:

• Our volunteers – the caring adults who show up week after week, giving their time, patience, and encouragement. This year alone about 320 children received individual reading support, and in total more than 4,000 children have been reached over the past 11 years.

• The long-haulers – Janey, Marie-Anna, Nadine, Doreen, and Dorothe – who have walked this journey with unwavering loyalty.

• Our partners and donors – including Richard & Tessa Carss, Michael & Susie Flemming, Des & Rose, the Beacon Isle Hotel, Charm and Peter, and many others whose generosity sustains and strengthens the programme.

• The Bitou 10 Foundation team – for their steady support behind the scenes.

She also highlighted some of the remarkable contributions that have grown from simple acts of care — like Dorothe coordinating Spar’s donation of 1,600 apples each year after a single Grade 3 learner asked for one. And thanks to recent book donations, Grade 3 learners at Phakamisani Primary now have classroom library books to inspire a deeper love of reading.

The Literacy Packs remain a key part of the intervention, and this year 4,900 packs were distributed to 350 children, along with annual stationery packs supplied by the Beacon Isle Hotel.

We also honoured Gail Ractliffe, whose late husband Jeremy founded the Bitou 10 Foundation. Gail volunteered for 10 years and remains part of the heart and history of this project.

And of course, Pippa closed her thanks with deep appreciation for her husband Willie, whose steadfast support across 44 years of marriage — and three continents of teaching — has quietly underpinned her ability to pour into the children in Bitou.

Thank you to Lourika, Murray, and the Global Village team for hosting us so beautifully, and for the warm hospitality as we ended the year together.

Pippa has been the driving force behind this project from the very beginning – its architect, its heartbeat, and its relentless champion. Her dedication has shaped thousands of young lives, and her leadership continues to anchor this work. Pippa, thank you for giving so much of yourself to this vision year after year.

As we look ahead to our 12th year, we celebrate a community that shows what’s possible when many caring adults create the conditions for children to thrive.

Here’s to reading, confidence, and new futures opened — one child at a time.