NEWS, VIEWS & OTHER INTERESTING THINGS

This Mandela Day, we called upon our supporters to champion literacy and make a BIG difference in the lives of children that struggle to read. Marking 100 years since the birth of Nelson Mandela, this year’s commemoration was one to remember with the launch of the #100by100 Challenge, as well as numerous activities and celebrations with learners at our partner schools.

During the #100by100 Challenge, we set out to revamp reading spaces at schools that desperately needed some TLC, and collect supplies for Resource Boxes to gift to under-resourced schools. Having a reading space that is exciting and engaging for children goes a long way in encouraging them to read. Similarly, schools equipped with resources to do fun activities to promote reading also helps to foster a thriving reading culture.

As we launched the challenge, numerous individuals and companies responded, and over the course of two months leading up to Mandela Day on 18 July, we’ve met some incredible people, eager and energetic, generous with their time and resources to help reignite the love of reading.

In the build-up to Mandela Day, volunteers, supporters and staff braved the bitter cold of winter and rolled up their sleeves to clean, paint and decorate the reading spaces at Wemmershoek Primary and Rosemead Primary in Cape Town, and Observatory Girls’ Primary in Johannesburg. We were inspired by the energy and teamwork displayed by the volunteer teams and loved seeing their sense of accomplishment and fulfilment as they reflected on the transformed reading spaces.

During the course of the #100by100 Challenge, we loved seeing individuals and companies rally together, calling on employees and their networks to make a difference. In Johannesburg, a group of supporters, led by Designer Drinks, collected and assembled 116 bags filled with stationery and reading resources, which were donated to help2read learners at Ekukhanyisweni Primary School.

We are so grateful to everyone that supported, volunteered and donated towards the #100By100 Challenge. We would especially like to thank the teams from Sage, who collected resources, helped revamp the Observatory Girls’ Primary School reading centre and prepared sandwiches for the learners at St Paul’s Primary School.

Thank you to Paintsmiths who donated paint which did wonders in reviving the reading room at Wemmershoek Primary, which our learners and Literacy Tutors will definitely enjoy! We would also like to extend special thanks to My Wall Tattoos for the donation of the fun and inspirational wall art, Weylandts Greenpoint, Mervyn Gers Ceramics, Mazars and our very special room planner, Ina Hoffman.