5 minute read
Fostering a culture of reading
from Spotong Issue 25
by 3S Media
FOSTERING A CULTURE OF READING Novus Holdings and the Department of Basic Education join forces to make 2018 a year of literacy
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.
Advertisement
The 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. “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 executive for government and business development at Novus Holdings. 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-anda-half grades ahead of their peers. “Interestingly, book sales globally have increased. But we need to do more to foster a culture of reading among the youth, not only at school but also at home, so that children will learn to love 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
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. 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. Novus Holdings is committed to making a sustainable difference in the communities in which it operates, as well as driving skills development and transformation within the industry.
For more information visit: www.novus.holdings.co.za.
ADVERTORIAL
Get a lawyer on your side!
LegalWise provides para-legal services in our Branches, over the phone or by e-mail and will pay the legal fees for a lawyer to represent you and your family, including your spouse or life partner and children in legal proceedings.
Protect your family’s legal rights and get a lawyer on your side when you need one:
Legal Benefits Para-Legal Services
» Access to our in-house Legal Counsellors who will attempt to resolve your legal issues without you going to court. » Branches countrywide. » 24/7, 365 access via our LegalLine. » Web and e-mail based legal assistance during office hours. » Extended para-legal services. LegalWise will also assist you with the following even if we do not pay the legal fees: • Debt services (settlement negotiations, rescission of administration orders and judgments). • Family services (uncontested divorces, child maintenance matters, ante nuptial contracts). • Other civil services (mediation or referrals to Alternative
Dispute Resolution forums such as the CCMA, preparation and referral to Small Claims Court).
The Insurance Benefits
» Up to R275 000 for legal fees per case. » You, your spouse or life partner and children under 18 are covered. » Cover for civil, criminal and labour related cases. » Access to the LegalWise Network of over 300 legal firms to represent you. » Fees paid at the LegalWise tariff rates, giving you more legal power. » Option to select a lawyer who is not on the LegalWise
Network. » Benefits are subject to a 3 month waiting period and exclusions. The main exclusions are listed as follow:
• Business activities. • Matrimonial matters (e.g. marriage, divorce, maintenance disputes, custody disputes, etc.). • Defamation claim by you. • Matters involving you as a member, public officer, trustee, executor, curator or spokesperson. • Collective or class actions. • A dispute with a claim value less than R5 000.00. • An act aimed at promoting or frustrating economic, political, social or environmental change. • Matters with an option to pay a fine without a conviction. • Matters that arose before you joined LegalWise or during your 3 month waiting period.
Added Benefits
» A cash payout for legal expenses in the case of the accidental death of the Main Member. » Pay no premiums for six months if you are retrenched.* » Pay no premiums for six months if you are totally or temporarily disabled.* » *Conditions and exclusions apply. They are available in the LegalWise Membership Agreement.
Add Optional Benefits Extended Family Protection Benefit
An option that allows you to add up to 5 extended family members to your LegalWise Membership for only R70 each per month. » It gives each of them up to R70 000 cover for legal fees per case plus all the other benefits and protection of Gold Membership. » Extended family members are parents, parents-in-law, your children over the age of 21, brothers, sisters and brothers and sisters-in-law.
5 Easy Ways to Join
1. SMS ‘JOIN’ to 31130 and we will call you back.
SMS charged at standard rates 2. Join online at www.legalwise.co.za 3. Call 086 125 8885. 4. Dial *120*LEGAL# (53425#). 5. Visit your nearest LegalWise Branch.
Terms and Conditions apply
The LegalWise Membership Agreement is underwritten by Legal Expenses Insurance Southern Africa Limited. An Authorised Financial Services Provider. Reg No 1984/010574/06. (FSP 17008).
