Noah fundraiser for kids

NO JOKE: EIGHT OUT OF 10 GRADE 4 PUPILS IN SOUTH AFRICA CANNOT READ, STUDY FINDS

Comedian to match donations made to his foundation for a cause close to his heart.

Acclaimed South African comedian and host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central, Trevor Noah, on Monday announced a new initiative to help raise funds to support teachers and pupils in local schools.

In a video released on his social media page, Trevor said: “Our end goal is to get as many children who do not have access to education, educated. We want to get teachers the support they need because teachers are underpaid, and we want to make sure the people who educate those children are able to sustain themselves.”

The 2016 Progress in International Reading and Literacy Study revealed that almost eight out of 10 South African children in Grade 4 cannot read.

One of the most scientific studies on education to date – with 12 810 pupils from 293 schools tested – found that 78% of children in the grade sound words but do not understand their meaning.

The Trevor Noah Foundation (TNF), which was launched earlier this year, is driven by Noah’s love for education and teachers, and giving kids an opportunity.

“I’ve come to realise the secret is great teachers. In my life and the lives of many other kids, one great teacher made all the difference. To this day, business economics and history are my favourite subjects, thanks to teachers like Mr Darby and Mrs Gold.”

Donations received through the crowd-funding platform Backabuddy are in the spirit of yesterday’s #GivingTuesdaySA that encouraged philanthropy and celebrated generosity worldwide.

“... I’m excited to be donating more money into the Trevor Noah Foundation, which supports schools and teachers around South Africa.

“I want to challenge you to do the same thing. If you donate, I’ll be ... matching it up to R2 million! Let’s make this happen!”