New kid's newspaper on the block

The first issue will be distributed to 185 schools in the main metros in June 2008. Every child in Grade 0 at participating schools will receive their own copy to take home.

The fledgling title is in line with the thinking of the minister of education Naledi Pandor, who says that “Grade 0 is the golden year - the year that defines whether the child will be functionally literate.” This is the year when the child learns to read, so he can later read to learn. Together with the emphasis on learning to read at a younger age is the trend to build brand recognition and especially brand loyalty at an earlier age.

Seu Comber, a former language teacher, says that only high-interest material encourages a child to read. That's why every page in all Free 4 All publications is designed to help foster a love for reading and writing, thus helping to combat illiteracy. Many pages are sponsored by companies ranging from nutritional foods to educational toys. These are colourful, interactive worksheets that the child can work through either at school under the care of a class teacher, at home alone, or together with their mothers and fathers.