Gogos revive storytelling tradition to instil values in children
Gogos are bringing stories back to the classrooms, reviving a fading tradition to teach children how to be kind, brave, and respectful through storytelling.
Institutions in Alex are reviving the old tradition of grandmothers teaching children values through storytelling. Ageing With Wisdom Region E Elderly Forum, the City of Johannesburg’s Social Development Department, Gogos Give Smiles, and the Community Development Foundation launched the Bee Attitude, an intergenerational storytelling programme at Kgodisong Early Learning Centre on October 7.
The programme uses the book, Miss Dorothy’s Garden, to teach children values like kindness, bravery, peace, and pride. Gogos read the story to children to help them understand how to behave and connect with others.
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Romay Harding, founder of Gogos Give Smiles, said the book is about Mama Dorothy and her helpers, the bees. “So, the little bees help her to be happy, kind, peaceful, proud, brave, and all these things.”
She highlighted the benefits of the programme to the children, noting that, by the end of the book, the learners will get the opportunity to write their own stories. These stories will then be used by the author of Miss Dorothy’s Garden in her new book, distributed globally. That way they can connect with children, through their stories, from all over the world. This could lead to some amazing international connections.
Also read: Alex showcases its creativity through storytelling
Barlin Govender, leader of the Community Development Foundation said the programme resonates with his foundation’s commitment to help children. “One of the reasons that I am here today, is to show my love for children.”
He noted that when it comes to work involving children, he always puts his hand in his pocket to provide what he can. “Sometimes we don’t see their pain, but they’re hurting. So, we feed them, clothe them, and show love.”
For others, like Selina Motau, from Ageing With Wisdom, the programme fills a critical gap in the lives of learners who cannot spend time with their grandparents. “Some elderly people can’t spend time with their grandchildren. We step in, so kids know what it’s like to be raised by gogos.”
Carol Mkhalipi, principal of Kgodisong Early Learning Centre, praised the initiative. She believes the programme, will teach the children how to behave from a young age.
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