In a world that’s racing to use tech to cut corners, costs and curiosity, at CRUSH we believe in using tech for good – to empower, educate and drive positive transformation.
That’s why we’ve decided to support Fonetti’s 2025 National Read-Aloud Challenge, lending our creative hands to the branding evolution, design and promotion of the campaign.
From designing the campaign’s microsite to creating and strategising the content and collateral assets, we are delighted to be involved in this year’s challenge, supporting a cause that promotes tech for good.
“The National Read Aloud Challenge is Fonetti‘s flagship event to encourage children’s engagement in reading throughout the summer holidays, culminating in an awards ceremony in London for top achieving schools and their pupils.
Kim (Challenge Founder) is an absolute force of nature, with a heart set on making a real difference to young readers. I am blown away by not only how clever the technology is, but how, as a mum, I had never heard about it!
Supporting this campaign was an easy decision – the results they are getting show that this technique really works.”
– Natalie Burkinshaw, Founder and Director, CRUSH
About the challenge
Aimed at encouraging children to keep on reading throughout the summer holidays – a time when reading progress often regresses – the National Read-Aloud Challenge uses Fonetti (by Auris Tech), a read-aloud app that leverages AI and Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology, to give children the autonomy to read independently.
With a library of books from hundreds of authors, Fonetti facilitates children to find the joy in reading, not only improving their language comprehension but, equally importantly, empowering their creative imaginations to run wild.
The technology used in the app is also particularly impactful for children with dyslexia, ADHD and English as an Additional Language (EAL), supporting them to gain confidence, literacy and focus in regularly reading aloud – without judgement or fear of making a mistake.
“Energised by ADHD, I channel my creativity and resilience into projects that create meaningful change.
Last year, the National Read-Aloud Challenge supported over 15,000 children, fostering a love for reading and demonstrating significant improvements in literacy. The challenge aims to provide evidence of reading advancement, and deliver tangible benefits to children’s education.”
– Kim Antoniou, Founder, Auris Tech / Fonetti
How to get involved
To take part in the National Read-Aloud Challenge, schools and parents can sign children up aged 5-15, ahead of the challenge taking place from 1st July – 31st August.
Over the course of these months, children will have access to Fonetti – free-of-charge – to read aloud in order to gain points and place in the challenge’s online leaderboards.
Despite this year’s challenge having only just launched, the campaign is already proving popular with schools and parents across the UK, with the entirety of Essex county schools signed up and ready to get reading!
Find out more at readaloudchallenge.co.uk
