Bee Informed: About Us!
South Africa is facing a literacy crisis:
Reading disparities are worse in rural and township schools, with learners often 2–3 years behind their urban peers.
In 2022, the Department of Basic Education estimated that Covid-19 set literacy progress back by at least a full school year.
South Africa ranks last out of 57 countries in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2021.
8 out of 10 Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language (PIRLS 2021).
Over 80% of South African public schools do not have functioning libraries.
Many learners are taught in a language they don't speak at home—contributing to comprehension difficulties.
South Africa spends over 5% of GDP on education, but literacy outcomes remain low—indicating problems with quality, not just funding.
Only 5% of parents in South Africa read to their children.
Our Mission
We strive to increase literacy rates among children and adults in underprivileged communities, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to read and to learn, by providing easy access to a variety of language and literature.
Beyond promoting literacy, Little Bee Libraries are also symbols of trust, beauty, and shared responsibility. In a country where safety and theft are everyday concerns, these vibrant, child-painted libraries stand as hopeful reminders that community spaces can be respected, and that valuable things— like books and art— can be freely shared and cared for by all.
Bee Familiar: Meet The Founder
The Board Of Trustees oversees our leadership, strategy, and financial health of our organization.
Hello! I'm Bianca, a 12th grade student at the American International School of Cape Town. Little Bee Libraries is my Senior Impact Project, and I hope to continue the mission for years to come. Reading is my favorite thing to do; I want to share literature with as many people as humanly possible!
The Board ensures that our work stays true to our values, sustainable in practice, and impactful for the people we serve.
Thank You To Our Board:
Michael Dagon (Etna, NH),
Iskander Hendricks (Cape Town, SA)
Kathryn Comar (Shaker Heights, OH)
Jason Luboski (Mentor, OH)
Assunta Nusca (Cape Town, SA)
Bianca Nusca-Dagon
Our Location
We are located in the Western Cape, South Africa and operated out of Etna, New Hampshire, USA. We are dedicated to enhancing literacy access in underprivileged communities. Reach out to learn more.
Address
Cumberland Ave, Constantia, Western Cape, South Africa
Hours
9 AM - 5 PM (GMT+2)
