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JOBURG'S #READFORMANDELA BOOK DONATION DRIVE
Honouring Nelson Mandela's legacy
In a heartfelt initiative, the Speaker of Council, Cllr. Margaret Arnolds, has called on residents and stakeholders in Johannesburg to participate in the #ReadForMandela Book Donation Drive. This campaign aims to collect over 106 books to celebrate what would have been Nelson Mandela’s 106th birthday.
This drive embodies his belief that education is the most powerful weapon to change the world. The collected books will be donated to under-resourced libraries, schools, and Early Childhood Development Centres, in partnership with the City’s Department of Community Development, Gauteng Department of Education, and Department of Social Development.
Promoting Literacy and Empowerment
The #ReadForMandela initiative seeks to honor Mandela’s enduring legacy of education and empowerment. By promoting literacy and providing access to educational resources, the campaign aims to foster cognitive development, critical thinking, and empathy. For many in underserved communities, access to books is limited, creating barriers to education and personal development.
According to the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) report, more than 80% of grade 4 pupils in South Africa cannot read and write for meaning. By providing books through this donation drive, the initiative seeks to bridge this gap and offer resources that can change lives.
A Movement for Change
The #ReadForMandela Book Donation Drive is more than just a collection of books; it’s a movement to perpetuate Mandela's vision of an educated and empowered society. Contributing to this drive means joining a global effort to bridge educational gaps and foster a brighter future for all.
Key Aspects of the #ReadForMandela Drive
• Access to Education: Many schools and libraries lack resources. This drive will help supply valuable materials, enhancing educational offerings.
• Promoting Literacy: Literacy is foundational to education and personal empowerment. By increasing access to books, literacy rates can improve, helping individuals develop essential skills for success.
• Community Engagement: This drive fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility, bringing people together for a common cause.
• Cultural Awareness: Exposing readers to different cultures and perspectives promotes understanding and empathy, aligning with Mandela’s commitment to diversity and respect.
Reading is a powerful tool for change, and promoting literacy is a fitting way to honor Nelson Mandela’s legacy. A book donation drive provides access to valuable resources and instills a love of reading in those who may not have had the opportunity otherwise.
By contributing to such initiatives, we help create a more informed, compassionate, and empowered society, reflecting the ideals that Madiba stood for throughout his life. In his memory, let us continue to champion the transformative power of education and reading for all.
“Reading is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about fostering empowerment, improving livelihoods, and advancing social progress in underdeveloped societies,” stated, Vusimuzi Gumbi, Spokesperson in the Office of the Speaker of Council in the City of Joburg.
"When we read, we are able to travel to many places, meet many people and understand the world." - Former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
