Book a better George

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GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - The Reverend Bonganjalo Mbenenge and his wife, Veliswa, have pledged their full support for the George Herald Ordinary Magic for Mandela campaign, and have availed a rondavel at the Uniting Reformed Church in Thembalethu to launch the local ‘reading for pleasure’ project.

With the help of the entire community, this reading centre for the youth could be the first of a multitude of centres to be establish in the George municipal area.

The rondavel is also used as a kitchen, and with just a little effort, can be transformed into the perfect reading space. On the immediate wish list are volunteers who can read to the kids in English once a week, loose carpets or mats to cover the cold tile floor, cushions for the kids to sit on while they are entertained,

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English and Xhosa books for kids of all ages and something to eat once a week for plus minus 50 kids before the reading sessions start. Sliced loaves of bread/rolls and separate fillings/toppings with a fruit and a juice would be ideal as the older kids prepare the sandwiches - even the best story can’t be thoroughly enjoyed on an empty stomach.

Curtains, a lick of paint, a colourful mural and some pictures on the walls would add to the atmosphere. It is important that the entire reading experience is pleasurable.

Volunteers are also needed to read in Afrikaans to the children at Rooibootjie, as this ACVV care centre in Syferfontein is next in line.

To find out more about how the national reading for pleasure initiative is generally run, visit www.nalibali.co.za. Also visit www.diaconia.co.za for details on efforts to enhance early childhood development in poorer areas.
To get involved with this wonderful long-term project, contact Ilse Schoonraad on 082 724 0402 or 044 874 2424, or send an e-mail to ilse@groupeditors.co.za and/or Lorraine Verhagen on 044 874 2424 or lverhagen@groupeditors.co.za.

Watch a video below.