Heidelberg Radio donates books to local primary schools
Heidelberg Youth Online Radio Station in partnership with Nal’ibali embarked on a book giveaway drive to three local primary schools around Heidelberg and Ratanda, in honour of Nelson Mandela.
Heidelberg Radio is an online youth radio station and the brainchild of Thulani Shiba who started the station during the lockdown in 2020.
The station broadcasts live from Heidelberg (Lesedi Local Municipality) in Gauteng under the umbrella of Heidelberg Media House NPO and has listeners across provinces and even in Heidelberg Germany.
The station is governed by five pillars, which are education, motivation, current affairs, entertainment and religion.
“We are a community radio station and, therefore, want to do more outreaches to the local community,” Lebohang Rakoso, the station manager, said.
“One of the famous quotes from Nelson Mandela is, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world’ and as education is one of our pillars, we are proud to partner with Nal’ibali to promote education through reading among our children,” Lebohang added.
Nal’ibali (isiXhosa for “here’s the story”) is a national reading-for-enjoyment campaign to spark children’s potential through storytelling and reading. Heidelberg Radio plays Nal’ibali stories weekdays between 9:30 and 14:30.
Nal’ibali is built on the simple logic that a well-established culture of reading can be a real game-changer for education in South Africa.
Literacy skills are a strong predictor of future academic success in all subjects and children who regularly read and hear engaging stories, in languages they understand, are well equipped and motivated to learn to read and write.
A significant body of research reinforces the link between reading for pleasure and improved outcomes for children.
The Heidelberg Radio Station team started with the book giveaway drive at Lethabo Siyanqoba Primary School on August 5.
Thulani introduced the Grade One class to one of the Nal’ibali stories, spoke about the importance of education and encouraged the children to listen to the stories on Heidelberg Radio. Nal’ibali provincial support coordinator Sithembiso Nhlapo also entertained the children and spoke about the importance of reading to promote education.
Nal’ibali-branded bags and storybooks were handed out and three of the learners got an opportunity to read to the class.
The book drive will continue during August as the station is planning to reach more schools.
Visit the online station and also on online radio directories.
