Gallery
GEORGE NEWS - The George Herald Ordinary Magic for Madiba Reading Campaign is celebrating its first year on the centenary of Nelson Mandela's birthday on 18 July.
The campaign was launched at the George Herald Mandela Day Sandwich Jam last year, and has been rolled out at various centres across George, offering the perfect opportunity to local companies and individuals to contribute to the future of our country by investing in our youth.
The campaign instils a love of reading and books in children of pre-school age by getting volunteers to read to the children in a safe and cosy environment on a weekly basis. Participating in the programme are the Uniting Methodist Church in Thembalethu, Rosedale Educare, Klouter Kabouter Crèche in New Dawn Park, Rosedale Nursery, and Golden Valley Crèche in Blanco. In the next year, the programme will be rolled out to at least five more crèches.
Click here for a photo gallery.
The volunteers who read to the children are trained by early childhood development expert Werna Pretorius, who also teaches them how to use incidental reading and other techniques to stimulate the kids.
The centres are beautified by the George Herald artistic team and members of the community have been donating books. A group of ladies from Kraaibosch Estate and Village have sewed beautiful cushions for the little ones to sit on during the reading sessions.
Companies are invited to get involved with the campaign at various levels, the details of which will be announced at this year's Sandwich Jam on Wednesday 18 July.
A training session for reading volunteers at the Lawaaikamp community hall hosted by George Herald and the George Municipality was enjoyed by all. Early childhood development expert Werna Pretorius presented the session. Photo: Wessel van Heerden
Sandwich Jam
The George Herald Sandwich Jam has become synonymous with Mandela Day and the support by local business is impressive. This year George Herald and local business will again spend 67 minutes making 10 000 sandwiches for the less fortunate.
On the day, a video about the reading project will explain exactly how it works and what business opportunities exist. Furthermore, George Herald will carry a Mandela Day feature and all the businesses who participate will get exposure by placing their logos on this page.
Due to the size of the Sandwich Jam, tables are limited to 20 and will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost is R1 500 per table. George Herald will take care of all the logistics and teams can just pitch up and enjoy the day.
The participation fee will be used to cover costs and any extra revenue raised will be allocated towards the reading project.
Lorraine Verhagen will coordinate the Sandwich Jam. To make your booking, contact her on 044 874 2424 / lverhagen@groupeditors.co.za no later than 11 July.
Reading with joy! Early childhood development expert Werna Pretorius has a true passion for ensuring that all children become avid readers. Photo: Wessel van Heerden
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
