A project has kicked-off to provide free readers to be used for teaching children in the townships neighbouring Stellenbosch that are mired in poverty.
The main objective is to break the cycle of poverty that has been gripping these communities for generations.The chosen path to do this is by promoting literacy, maths and science skills.
In partnership with Stellenbosch University, that will render volunteer students and tutors to roll out the campaign, African Sun Media will devise, design and print these readers so that the disadvantaged pupils can effectively address the literacy crisis that is endemic.
“The initiative was launched today, Thursday July 18, to honour a great South African on what would have been his 101st birthday, but will be a sustainable and ongoing partnership between ASM and Stellenbosch University,” says Nirode Bramdaw, managing director of ASM.
Koos Ligtenberg, divisional director of Bytes Document Solutions, says: “We are delighted to partner with ASM on this very noble endeavour that seeks to change the lives of the less fortunate in society.
“To this end, we will provide ASM with printing for their philanthropic efforts. This will complement our co-sponsors who have kindly donated paper for the project,” he says.
“Aside from its core objective of combatting poverty via literacy, this initiative by ASM brings together the various and varying efforts of the faculties within the university so that the impact we make, will be targeted and sustainable,” says Dr Gillian Arendse, deputy director, Stellenbosch University centre for student recruitment and career advice.
Students, tutors and academics, who would like to take part in the programme, can contact Marlene Joubert on media@africansunmedia.co.za
