Kezlei Foundation logo
Children with hand-crafted story masks at a Cape Town primary school
🌍 Cape Town, South Africa

Empowering Young Minds Through Reading, Stories & Art

A transformative literacy and creative education programme for primary school learners in Cape Town.

Storytelling Sunset Dinner at The Galley, Fish Hoek
✨ Upcoming EventPostponed

Fundraising Event

Storytelling Sunset Dinner

A special fundraising event in support of our literacy programmes for children in underserved communities. Postponed to the new date below due to the Navy Festival in Fish Hoek & Simon's Town.

  • New date: Saturday, 25th April
  • 17:30 – 22:00
  • The Galley Restaurant, Fish Hoek

In Collaboration With

Zeitz MOCAA — Museum of Contemporary Art AfricaBMW Centre for Art Education
Children bringing storybook characters to life through hands-on creative work
📚 Flagship Programme

"The Stories That Ran Away"

Primary Schools Reading Programme

Our flagship initiative encourages a love for reading and storytelling, introduces children to African stories and narratives, and develops vocabulary, comprehension and creative thinking — combining reading with hands-on art activities.

Explore the Programme
What We Do

Three Pillars Driving Our Work

Literacy Programmes
Literacy Programmes

Reading sessions, vocabulary development, and comprehension support in primary schools across Cape Town.

Embodied Learning
Embodied Learning

Children experience stories through art, movement, and interactive activities — not just by reading.

Teacher Training
Teacher Training

Facilitator training and continuous professional development that improves teaching methods for literacy.

Our Impact

Real Outcomes for Real Children

Improved reading comprehension

Increased vocabulary development

Stronger engagement with books

Enhanced creativity and expression

Better learner participation

Stronger teacher capacity

Young learner participating in a Kezlei programme
"Before Kezlei, I didn't have books at home. Now I read every day and I want to be a teacher."

— Thando, age 11, Cape Town learner

Help a Child Discover the Power of Reading

Your contribution funds trained facilitators, reading and art materials, and safe learning spaces for primary school learners.

Support a Child's Future
Contribute