About Us
A ray of hope, one library at a time.
Dream Big Little Reader is a community programme revitalising under-funded Grade R to 7 government school libraries across KwaZulu-Natal. We improve literacy and numeracy by giving children access to quality books and reading support, and by turning forgotten library rooms into places of wonder.
Our Story
How it began.
In 2021, independent SPAR retailer Serena Jagadasan, owner of SUPERSPAR Starwood in Durban, looked at the empty library shelves in nearby schools and decided they did not have to stay that way.
She started Dream Big Little Reader and set up The Star Retailers Foundation to run it. The first library opened at Rydalvale Primary on 15 September 2021.
What began as one refurbished library has grown into a movement: today more than eight SPAR retailers work alongside the programme to rebuild libraries in the communities their stores serve.
Each project takes up to three months, and ends with a room full of books, and children who cannot wait to read them.
Our Mission
Dream Big Little Reader revitalises under-funded and under-resourced Grade R to 7 government school libraries across KwaZulu-Natal, improving literacy and numeracy by giving children access to quality books and reading programmes.
Our Vision
To be a ray of hope that strengthens our communities, one library and one little reader at a time.
13
Libraries revitalised
6,000+
Children reached
Grade R–7
Learners Supported
2021
Founded in Durban
Headshot — awaiting supplied photo
Meet the Founder
Serena Jagadasan, Founder
Serena Jagadasan is the founder of Dream Big Little Reader and an independent SPAR retailer, owner of SUPERSPAR Starwood in Durban.
“We are committed to rebuilding under-resourced government school libraries, and to instilling a culture of reading in foundation-phase learners.”
Backed by a movement of retailers.
Dream Big Little Reader is an initiative of The Star Retailers Foundation, powered by independent SPAR retailers who believe in giving back to the communities that support their stores. As part of The SPAR Group Ltd's wider commitment to education, now in its seventh decade in South Africa, we can reach further, build faster, and sustain what we start.