Read a book and grow the mind
It started with a resident wanting to be a solution in her drug-ravaged community.
Recently Mrs Faradiba Morton and her Rhodes Park Poetry Buddies team launched two books.
Poetry Buddies is formed by children from in and around Kensington. They meet in Rhodes Park where Mrs Morton teaches them how to read and write poetry.
The EXPRESS supports this initiative by publishing the children’s poems monthly under the Poetry Empowers banner.
“Where I stay, there was a problem where children were using drugs. I felt helpless and I wanted to do something about it. I believe when you want to heal the nation, you start with the children,” she said.
She said she encouraged the children to write down their feelings in a poetry format.
“The book we launched today, Poetry for friends, is written by the children after we trained them. We guided them on understanding poetry and writing it. We encouraged them to express themselves in poetry form. Whether they are happy or not, I encouraged them to use poetry to express themselves,” she said.
She added that the publication of the book will go a long way in building the confidence of her students.
“It will show them there is nothing impossible in life. No matter who you are, when you put effort into what you are doing, you will succeed. Life is full of possibilities. Never give up in life,” she said.
She added that the proceeds from the sales of her book and the children’s books will go to stationary for the club.
Mrs Morton’s book is called Poetry Work Book, Children are the future, and is about teaching children to write poetry.
Books can be ordered from Mrs Faradiba Morton through the website www.jozibookfair.org.za
“If you want to change the country, change the children,” said Mrs Morton.
One of the guest speakers, a children’s books writer, Mrs Sari Vento from Finland, said teaching children to write helps them to grow mentally.
“Writing is a powerful tool to develop the mind and to deal with emotions. Books can teach one how to handle emotions because there are stories in the books that can sharpen one’s skills and bring joy,” she said.
