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reading. We need to encourage giving books as gifts, for example,” said Ehret. To date, more than 20 mobile libraries have been donated to schools across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Western Cape. The roll-out of the libraries to the beneficiary schools was coordinated and managed by Ahmed Motala of the New Africa Education Foundation, an NPO that has partnered with Novus Holdings and the Department of Basic Education.
About Novus Holdings
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he University of Pretoria recently released research that shows eight out of 10 Grade 4 South African pupils still cannot read at an appropriate level, with 78% of students not being able to read with understanding. The research also showed that South African children scored last out of 50 countries for reading. In light of this, the Department of Basic Education has joined hands with Novus Holdings to improve literacy levels across South Africa in the “Read to Lead” campaign. The initiative includes the donation of mobile libraries at schools across the country, the latest of which was opened at Bonteheuwel High School, Cape Town.
executive for government and business development at Novus Holdings.
The Group’s diversification process includes a first-class print on packaging and labelling division, as well as a tissue division, which produces tissue paper through the effective use of waste paper from the printing operations.
Research has proven that access to libraries improves learner performance and increases their chances of success. It has also been shown that learners who read for pleasure are on average one-and- Novus Holdings is committed to making a sustainable difference in the a-half grades ahead of their peers. communities in which it operates, as “Interestingly, book sales globally have well as driving skills development and increased. But we need to do more to transformation within the industry. foster a culture of reading among the For more information visit: youth, not only at school but also at www.novus.holdings.co.za. home, so that children will learn to love
“We are extremely proud to have five new stunning mobile libraries, thanks to Novus Holdings and the Department of Basic Education. We are certain that the learners will benefit from the initiative this year,” said Nicola Pather, the principal of Bonteheuwel High School, at the launch. The mobile libraries can be wheeled from one classroom to another, making them easily accessible to all learners. “We believe that access to reading material is fundamental to improving literacy. We hope that by launching these libraries, learners at Bonteheuwel High School will be inspired to make 2018 a year of reading,” said Mike Ehret, group 22
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Mike Ehret, Business Development Group Executive at Novus holdings shares a reading experience with the pupils from Bonteheuwel High School.
Images courtesy of Novus Holdings
Emihle Sopazi (Gr 12) and Thaakir Jacobs (Gr 11) enjoy reading books from the new mobile library donated to Bonteheuwel High School by Novus Holdings.
Previously known as the Paarl Media Group, Novus Holdings Ltd services South Africa and the African continent through its print production of all short- to long-run requirements of educational materials, magazines, retail inserts, catalogues, books, newspapers, commercial work, as well as security and digital printing.
