More than 500 learners participated in this year’s International Book Giving Day celebrations at Lotus River Primary School on Friday 14 February (Valentine’s Day).
Living Through Learning, who hosted the event in partnership with Coronation Fund Managers, distributed several books to learners.
Additionally, 21 MAfrika books accompanied by audiobooks, were provided to Foundation Phase and Intermediate Phase learners, ensuring that every class received a copy.
Wisahl Ganief, Group head of marketing at Coronation, said they aimed to highlight the power of storytelling by fostering early literacy and making books more accessible to young learners.
“Coronation Fund Managers and Living Through Learning have been partners since 2010, united by a shared commitment to improving literacy in under-resourced schools,” she shared.
Their initiatives provide essential learning resources that benefit young learners.
“Through this collaboration, Coronation and Living Through Learning are making meaningful strides in addressing literacy challenges in South African schools, equipping learners with critical reading skills to support their educational journey.”
Ganief emphasised the importance and need for literacy programmes, especially in under resourced and underprivileged schools. “With 81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa unable to read for meaning, we are committed to inspiring a love for reading and improving literacy development,” she commented. “Literacy is the foundation of education and a key driver of academic success.”
She added that fostering a culture of reading and learning in young children contributes to long-term educational development.
