#24things4madiba encourages reading, writing

20 Jul 2015

As part of Mandela Month, #24things4madiba recently held a 'Read-a-Fun' event in Cape Town and Gauteng where students from Media24's flagship initiative - WeCan24 - had the opportunity to tap into their journalistic skills by interviewing, photographing and reporting on celebrity guests and #24things4madiba.

#24things4madiba encourages reading, writing

Some students met a few of the Springbok rugby players and had the opportunity to attend their first rugby press conference at the Cape Town stadium. Rugby player, Victor Matfield, announced that the WeCan24 students would be given selfie spots on the Springbok rugby jerseys at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, as part of their #HomeGroundAdvantage.

These experiences allow the learners to read, write and report on good news stories relating to their community and post them on the WeCan24 website. WeCan24 creates opportunities for learners by allowing them access to a free online school news platform, training on basic journalism skills with the outcome of creating in society.

#24things4madiba also strives to instil a love of reading at a young age to increase literacy and education. This can be achieved through story telling in language that children can relate to and understand, as exemplified by actor & magician, Charles Terstien (also known as 'Karl Ahari'), Expresso presenter, Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp, actress, Bonnie Mbuli and Western Cape Minister of Finance, Ivan Meyer, who read to the Nal'ibali children's reading club.

This Mandela month, show your support by pledging to read to your children, at a children's home, to those who cannot read or to anyone that will appreciate a good story. Make your pledge at www.nalibali.mobi/24things4madiba. For more information on other projects, go to www.wecan24.co.za.