A book donation drive called #Read2Succeed aims to collect children’s books for underprivileged learners.
Launched by Hands of Love, the book drive appeals to mothers, fathers, good Samaritans, local businesses and bookstores to join them in their efforts to collect and distribute as many books as they can for underprivileged children and to work towards developing reading corners and libraries in local schools.
Hands of Love is a non-profit organisation (NPO) founded by Catherine Versfeld last year, to make a difference in the lives of children from disadvantaged communities in South Africa.
“Not only does reading help develop a child’s imagination, but it is also the foundation of all learning,” says Versfeld.
Based on a recent survey conducted by Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (Pirls), eight out of 10 Grade 4 learners are unable to comprehend what they are reading, across all languages.
The Pirls study also found that more than half of South Africa’s primary schools lack books, libraries and reading infrastructure.
Versfeld says it was these worrying facts that inspired them to launch the book drive. Since the start of the drive, CCFM in Muizenberg, Wordsworth in Sea Point and Jack Black Beer in Diep River have signed up as drop-off points.
In addition, Bargain Books have donated 20 boxes of books and signed up their bookstores in Canal Walk in Century City and Mall of Africa in Johannesburg to help launch the drive.
“We support reading and encourage it, so we are happy to donate some of our reading material to help those who need it,” says Bargain Books’ Zena Meyer.
Residents who would like to help with the book drive can bring their children’s books to one of these drop-off points in Cape Town:
- Wordsworth Sea Point (395 Main Road, Sea Point)
Bargain Books Canal Walk (Shop 629, 6 Century Blvd, Century City).
- CCFM Radio (146 Main Rd, Muizenberg).
- Voice of the Cape (2 Queens Park Avenue, Salt River).
- Curro Century City High School (2 Socrates Way, Century City).
- Jack Black Beer (10 Brigid Road, Diep River).
Versfeld says they need more drop-off points in more communities and business districts.
“The more drop-off points we have, the more children’s lives we can impact. For this reason, we are encouraging business owners, bookstores and coffee shops to get involved and make a difference.”
- Visit www.handsoflove.org.za/read2succeed for more information or take a look at our Facebook page at @HandsofLoveSA
