Mams primary school learners encouraged to read more books

ActionSA has encouraged primary school learners in Skierlik informal settlement, far east of Mamelodi to start reading books.

Kholofelo Morodi was launching her party’s reading programme, Reading With ActionSA, on Sunday in the township to address illiteracy by establishing Buddy Reading Centres for primary school-aged children in every region of Tshwane.

She said party councillors as well as guests read stories to children, then gifted the children books to encourage them to read on their own at home.

“The idea came about when Sediba Sa Thuto primary school in Mamelodi East was shut down for months, because of overcrowding and shortage of furniture, which put the children’s lives in danger,” said Morodi.

She said it did not sit well with her that those learners were deprived of education while their counterparts in neighbouring schools attended school.

Morodi said together with, Henriette Frolich and Flora Monama went on a campaign and asked for book donations to underprivileged children.

She said growing up she was exposed to a lot of books, so wants the same for every child.

“We created a culture of reading for the learners by starting this programme as well as encouraged parents to read to their children and children to start reading on their own,” she said.

Guest speaker and research professor at the Tshwane University of Technology Chatradari Devroop praised the programme and encouraged the learners to read books every day.

Melo Ngwenya (6) who received a gift of books said books were interesting because they also had cartoon characters.

“My mother will help me read these stories in the books, they look fun. I will read the book until I understand all the stories,” she said.

The programme was given a boost when businessman, Bongani Mabizela pledged a R10 000 donation to help buy more books.

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