About Living Through Learning

For over 35 years, Living Through Learning has been transforming lives through innovative literacy education, serving 150,000+ learners across the Western Cape using the proven Gattegno Words in Colour methodology.

Our Vision: "Every child is a national asset and every child must be able to read with meaning."

Our Journey

1990-2010

Education Alive international operations laying foundation for literacy expertise

2010-2012

Strategic transition to independent South African entity and NPO/PBO registration

2010-Present

CRAR program expansion from 4 schools to 30+ schools across Western Cape

2023

Digital literacy pilot launch with tablet-based learning hub at Levana Primary

Measurable Impact

150,000+

Learners Served

700+

Educators Trained

80%

Literacy Improvement

30+

Partner Schools

500+

Tertiary Placements

35+

Years Experience

Trusted Partners & Recognition

Corporate Partners

Coronation Fund Managers - Flagship CRAR sponsor since 2010
ACSA (Airports Company SA) - Literacy Action Rooms since 2012
GrandWest Casino - Wild About Reading room initiatives

Government & Academic Recognition

Western Cape Education Department - Active collaboration and validation
University of Cape Town - Research backing and methodology validation
Multiple Trust Partners - Ackerman, Nussbaum, Sali, Nedgroup foundations

Our Programs

Reading Adventure Rooms (CRAR)

Themed literacy classrooms with step-by-step phonics curriculum using Caleb Gattegno's Words in Colour methodology. Serving 3,000 learners annually across 30+ schools.

Educator Training & Forums

Professional development workshops in collaboration with WCED, training 105 educators annually through sustainable train-the-trainer models.

Digital Literacy Initiatives

Technology-enabled programs bridging the digital divide, including tablet-based learning hubs serving 160+ Grade 1 pupils with interactive literacy games.

Our Leadership

Experienced educators and specialists leading our mission across management, program delivery, and operations

Meet Our CEO & Founder

Sonja Botha brings over 35 years of educational excellence, pioneering literacy transformation from her international Education Alive operations to founding Living Through Learning in 2010.

Discover Sonja's Journey →

Our Team

Sonja Botha

Chief Executive Officer & Founder

15 years with LTLFoundation Phase Literacy, Gattegno Methodology

Specialist in Foundation Phase Literacy, Gattegno Methodology with 15 experience in transforming learning outcomes.

Monique Parring

Senior Manager & Programme Director

8 years with LTLProgram Development, Educational Strategy

Specialist in Program Development, Educational Strategy with 8 experience in transforming learning outcomes.

Dagny Baleson

Operations Manager

10 years with LTLEducational Operations, Community Partnerships

Specialist in Educational Operations, Community Partnerships with 10 experience in transforming learning outcomes.

Amy Lategan

Program Coordinator

6 years with LTLEducator Training, Curriculum Development

Specialist in Educator Training, Curriculum Development with 6 experience in transforming learning outcomes.

Yusuf Jassiem

Administrative Coordinator

8 years with LTLAdministrative Operations & Support

Specialist in Administrative Operations & Support with 8 experience in transforming learning outcomes.