Our work

Our work connects books, libraries, STEM and student leadership.

Next Chapter Jozi supports schools through practical programmes that improve access to reading materials, library and reading space improvements, STEM learning, mentorship and youth-led educational support.

Partner With Us Support a Pillar

Five colour-coded pillarsSchool-first partnershipsLiteracy + STEM

Books, STEM and student leadership connected in school

A practical system for access, space, culture and leadership

Core pillars

Access + space + culture.

The work is designed so books do not simply arrive at schools. They become organised resources, visible reading spaces, STEM pathways and stronger learner opportunities.

Literacy drive books prepared for donation

Literacy Drives

We collect and distribute school-appropriate books to help build reading culture, classroom libraries, library corners, learner access to stories, reference material, study support and imagination.

Possible activities

Book collection campaigns
Book sorting and cataloguing
Classroom reading corners
Library support
Reading culture campaigns
School-based reading events

Outcome: Learners gain access to books that encourage reading confidence, vocabulary growth, curiosity and independent learning.

A school reading space being strengthened

Library Refurbishments

We support schools in turning underused or under-resourced spaces into organised, welcoming reading environments. Through books, shelving support, sorting systems, reading corners, displays and practical refurbishment, we help make reading more visible, accessible and inviting for learners.

Possible activities

Organising donated books
Setting up reading corners
Supporting school library spaces
Improving book displays
Labelling and categorising books
Helping with shelving and storage
Making reading spaces feel welcoming and usable
Refurbishing underused school library areas where possible

Outcome: Learners are more likely to read when books are visible, organised, accessible and placed in spaces that feel cared for.

STEM Access

We help learners explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics through resources, exposure, mentoring, digital tools and hands-on learning opportunities.

Possible activities

STEM resource drives
Maths and science support
Coding or robotics exposure
Practical science demonstrations
STEM workshops
Digital learning sessions
Career talks with STEM mentors
Support for science clubs
Access to online learning tools
Connecting learners to Indlela study resources
Helping schools access basic STEM learning materials

Outcome: Learners build confidence in maths and science, see STEM careers as possible and connect classroom subjects to real-world problems.

School Partnerships

We work directly with schools to understand what support is actually useful. We do not want to assume needs from outside. We want to listen, plan, deliver and improve with schools as partners.

Possible activities

Needs conversations with school staff
Book and resource planning
School visits
Programme design
Donation handovers
Feedback collection

Outcome: Support becomes more relevant, respectful and sustainable.

Student leaders behind Next Chapter Jozi

Student Leadership

Next Chapter Jozi is led by students who organise campaigns, communicate with partners, manage resources, tell stories and build education projects with seriousness and care.

Possible activities

Student volunteer teams
Leadership development
Outreach campaigns
Youth-led project planning
Peer support
Public communication

Outcome: Young people become active contributors to educational change, not just observers of social problems.

STEM access and exploration

STEM that feels practical, not distant.

For many learners, STEM can feel like something reserved for better-resourced schools, expensive equipment or distant careers. We want to change that by creating practical, school-based opportunities for learners to experiment, ask questions, use technology and connect science and maths to real life.

Maths confidenceScience curiosityCoding exposureRobotics materialsDigital toolsSTEM mentors

How we work

A simple, accountable process.

We listen first, then mobilise the kind of support that schools can actually use.

Listen to schools

Identify needs

Mobilise resources

Deliver support

Measure impact

Share the story responsibly

Get involved

Build practical access with us.

Support book drives, reading spaces, STEM exposure, school partnerships and student-led educational action.

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