Large print services provider pays special visit to Jozua Naudé Primary School
The value of a paper-printed book passed on from one avid, knowledge-hungry reader to another is difficult to quantify.
This year, World Literacy Day was acknowledged and celebrated on September 8.
For some this may be an unnecessary day to celebrate if reading this very article is second nature; but for the 78% children in South Africa who have a 29% read-for-comprehension ability, this day and awareness of the need for books are key to solving our literacy crisis.
On World Literacy Day, corporate companies, NGOs and schools are encouraged to consider ways to pass on their ‘book-smarts’ and books themselves to those who are not able to simply purchase a book.
The value of a paper-printed book passed on from one avid, knowledge-hungry reader to another is difficult to quantify. Some corporate companies go well beyond an annual book donation, and are tireless in their ongoing support of literacy in SA.
One such organisation is Konica Minolta South Africa, which continues its efforts to connect the youth to access literacy aids by partnering with the Edu-Care Foundation, through the impactful Konica Minolta Mobile Library.
Since 2012 the Mobile Library has created a platform for young urban and rural area learners to access a variety of books and other literacy resources. This Mobile Library not only assists these eager young minds with completing their homework, but also provides a safe sanctuary to develop a love of reading. The books on offer are also regularly changed to facilitate more stimulus and options.
The library uses Edu-Care’s distinctive R.E.A.D formula (Respect, Education, Attitude and Discipline) to provide a safe and effective resource base and minimal learning disturbance.
The Mobile Library has provided a service to several impoverished community schools and is operational three days a week between 08:00 and 16:00. It also acts as an IT centre for the youth as it is equipped with state-of-the-art Konica Minolta multi-functional printing devices allowing learners greater creative freedom when working on school projects through these additional printing resources.
The children are also able to access technology which they may not have in their homes or at school. Recently Konica Minolta’s Mobile Library was a key partner in Jozua Naudé Primary School’s writing competition.
The competition was open to the school’s Grade 7 learners who were very eager to participate. They were required to write a short story with a title that they related to and felt inspired by.
The best four stories were selected by the school, where after the Mobile Library librarians and the Principal, Mrs Motsoane interviewed the learners. Based on the learners’ story rationale, a final winner was selected.
Each of the winners received a book as a prize. Marc Pillay, CEO of Konica Minolta South Africa hopes to have more learners participating in future and to encourage more learners to write inspiring stories.
“My hope is that one day their future stories will be published and they can inspire more children to let their imagination flow. There is still such a great need for beautifully printed African stories. We also provide technology though, as we see the importance of ensuring integration with technology to enable higher literacy and comprehension rates in this country,” he said.
According to Beverly Peters, Literacy Manager at Edu-Care the overall winner, Owethu Xaba will become the Ambassador for The Edu-Care Foundation which includes The Mobile Library, the libraries at the schools and all their reading corners in Gauteng.
“We are grateful for the ongoing support of Konica Minolta to make these initiatives possible,” she concluded.
The winners are as follow:
• First place – Owethu Xaba with The Thunder Storm
• Second place – Karabo Malatji with The End of Water
• Third place – Katlego (Rachel) Maepa with Mvini Bidi
• Fourth place – Goapele Tselanngwe with Life was never easy
The school congratulates these learners on a job well done and encourages them to continue reading, writing and inspiring those around them.
