Promoting a love for reading among children
The NPO started a project called Ulwazi Children's Literacy Hub several years ago, aimed at promoting the culture of reading and writing, therefore instilling a love for books in children.
The NPO, Sonqoba Ngolwazi Women in Writing and Publishing, based in Klippoortjie, is one of the beneficiaries of the Boksburg Advertiser book drive which recently concluded.
According to Victoria Radebe, chairperson of the NPO, in 2017 they managed to donate much-needed books to the under-resourced primary schools in Kathorus.
“This is after I managed to get sponsored books from Book Dash, Centre For the Book, and Christian Literacy Foundation. We then distributed them free to seven primary schools,” said Radebe.
“In 2018, due to unforseen circumstances, we could not operate, but we have been encouraged to continue what we had begun after reading of Caxton’s support for literacy.”
Radebe said their intention remains to provide books directly to children, and therefore to make sure there is at least one book in a home.
“We will be looking at which other areas we can target for book distributions. There is a great need for children to be able to access reading material.
“We have seen how children get excited if they own a book. They can then use it at their leisure and it encourages parents to help their children to read.”
She said it is their vision to establish a literacy hub, which will serve as an established place for book distribution, serving the purpose of fostering a love for reading.
For those who wish to help the NPO, contact Radebe on 072 260 8489.
* Caxton Local Media this year supported the National Book Week, which coincided with the SA Book Fair.
As part of Caxton’s #WeRead campaign under the banner of Caxton Cares, donating a book is one way to bridge the gap in learners’ access to reading material.
Caxton editors therefore remain committed to playing a part in helping local schools and organisations gain access to books as well as to sharing their love of reading and languages with the children in our communities.
