Mobile library donation to improve literacy levels this World Book Day

23 Apr 2018

South African celebrity, Maps Maponyane, wants learners across South Africa to know that reading for fun can ignite potential and open a door of endless possibilities.

Maps Maponyane, getting ready to read to the learners of Kama Primary

This message was delivered by Maponyane at Kama Primary in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth, last week, ahead of World Book Day on 23 April 2018. The message was made possible by Novus Holdings, SA commercial printing and manufacturing company, who partnered with New Africa Education Foundation (NAEF), an NPO, to improve literacy levels across South Africa.

Novus Holdings, together with NAEF, donated seven mobile libraries to each grade at Kama Primary. The mobile libraries can be wheeled from one classroom to another, making them easily accessible to all learners. The initiative forms part of the “Read to Lead” campaign, which aims to promote reading for pleasure and highlight why literacy is the gateway to a better future.

“Growing up I had a stutter and lacked self-esteem. Through reading and cultivating a love for books, I overcame this challenge. Today I am thrilled to spread the message that reading is cool. Reading has the power to transform lives by lifting the youth out of dire circumstances, and I believe that education is the answer to unlocking our country’s potential,” said Maponyane.

Ahmed Motala hands over the mobile libraries to the principal of Kama Primary

Mike Ehret, group executive for Business Development at Novus Holdings says that the time is now for corporate South Africa to do its part to improve literacy rates in the country. Education plays a pivotal role in South Africa’s landscape as it aids in providing the critical skills needed for the country’s economic growth in the long-term.

Coordinated by Ahmed Motala of NAEF, over 20 mobile libraries have been donated to schools across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Western Cape, with more to come.