The SIOC Community Development Trust Invites You to Join Their Literacy Ambassadors Student Teacher Training Programme – Applications Close on 31 January 2026
Dreaming of a career in teaching but worried about money, access or a clear path? This training programme was built just for people like you. It gives you a real chance to work in schools, earn a stipend, and start a future as a teacher – all in one year.
What You’ll Get
- Programme Name: Literacy Ambassadors Student Teacher Training
- Year: 2026
- Target Group: Young people who are unemployed or looking for a new direction, and who want to help students learn to read.
- Location: John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District, Northern Cape
- Placement: No‑fee public primary schools
- Role: Literacy Ambassador – supporting Foundation Phase teachers and students.
- Length: 12 months
- Stipend: Full‑year paid support
- Academic Boost: Chance to improve your Matric (NSC) results and qualify for a Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase).
- Future Path: Apply for a BEd Foundation Phase after finishing the programme.
- Closing Date: 31 January 2026
- How to Apply: Email your application only.
Why This Programme Matters
South Africa’s literacy problem starts early. Many kids can’t read well by Grade 4, and when that happens, all later learning becomes harder. This programme tackles that issue right at the foundation level – the biggest time you can make a difference.
Instead of a single workshop, we give you a complete journey: from a job‑search to real classroom time, plus training and a paycheck. This mix is rare and powerful.
Who Is Behind It?
- Rhodes University – Their Centre for Social Development brings research and expertise in teaching and literacy.
- SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC‑CDT) – A trusted local trust working to improve education and jobs in the Northern Cape.
- Northern Cape Department of Education – Helps us align with public schools and makes sure you get good placement.
These partners guarantee a reliable, well‑backed experience – not a one‑off offer.
What Is a Literacy Ambassador?
As a Literacy Ambassador you’ll join a public primary school in JTG District and help teachers in the Foundation Phase. Your tasks include:
- Supporting kids who are just learning to read.
- Helping students read for meaning.
- Assisting with classroom activities.
- Getting hands‑on training and real classroom exposure.
You’ll never replace a teacher – you’ll support them while learning what it’s like inside a classroom.
Training and Academic Growth
During the 12 months, you’ll receive:
- Regular training on how children learn to read.
- Practice in presenting and guiding lessons.
- Experience that counts towards teacher education.
- An opportunity to improve your Matric marks.
Better Matric results open the door to a Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase) at a university.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify you must:
- Live in or come from the JTG District.
- Have a Matric (NSC) with at least a Diploma pass.
- Speak Setswana and English fluently.
- Read Setswana for meaning.
- Be able to communicate clearly in speech and writing.
- Have good presentation and facilitation skills.
- Be proactive, motivated, creative, and resourceful.
We’ll prefer candidates who perform well academically or come from communities where the target schools are located.
How to Apply
Gather these documents:
- A motivational letter – explain why you want to become a teacher.
- Proof of residence.
- Certified copy of your ID.
- Copy of your Matric results.
Send all documents by email to csd@ru.ac.za – only emailed applications will be considered. If your application is incomplete, it may be rejected.
Career Path After the Programme
Finishing the Literacy Ambassadors programme opens many doors:
- Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase).
- Qualified Foundation Phase Teacher.
- Specialist roles in literacy and reading coaching.
- Positions in educational NGOs or curriculum support teams.
- Further postgraduate study in education.
For anyone passionate about teaching, this is a unique early‑entry gateway.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this a learnership? No – it’s a training and placement programme with a stipend.
- Do I need previous teaching experience? No, training is provided.
- Is the stipend guaranteed? Yes, for the full year.
- Can I go on to a teaching degree? Absolutely – the programme prepares you for a BEd Foundation Phase.
- Is it open to all provinces? No, only for the JTG District in the Northern Cape.
Important Notes
- We are not the official hiring authority – selection is made by the programme partners.
- Meeting the requirements does not guarantee placement.
- There are no application fees; any request for payment is a scam.
Apply Now – Send your application before 31 January 2026. This is a chance to start a career in education, earn a stipend, and make a real impact on students’ lives. Don’t miss it!
