Impilo’s latest #EmpowerThem Reading Buddies drive opens the page on literacy.

Impilo Collection Foundation will on Friday the 29th of July, be visiting schools in Randburg and Soweto. On the day, social warriors will be distributing quality books collected throughout the year and reading to and engaging with over 200 learners from the ages of 3 to 11.

Takane Academy, which educates learners from low-income households in the Randburg area will receive 120 books to restock its library. This will ensure that the 122 learners from the ages of 3 to 11 will each have their very own age-appropriate books to read at school.

“We believe education remains the key for uprooting people from poverty, therefore finding ways to promote literacy is high on our agenda,” explains Jasmine Black, the foundation VP of Education, “for us this is an appropriate way to not only close off Mandela Month but to also prepare our social warriors for the work that needs to be done ahead of Literacy Day in September,”

At Tshebedisanong Primary School in Soweto, the Grade 3 and 4 learners will get to read with skilled volunteers from READ to RISE, a non-profit organisation founded to promote youth literacy in schools in South Africa’s under-resourced communities.

The volunteers will also engage with the learners on a one-on-one basis to assist them to develop the art and skill of reading and comprehension so that they can unlock a bright future for themselves.

At both schools, Impilo’s Social Warriors will be joined by representatives from the South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP), who will be utilising the day to determine the socio-psychological support and counseling needed by learners in these communities.

The Foundation plans to hold another book drive which will include High School learners in September as a way to observe UNESCO’s International Literacy Day. We call on all South Africans to donate quality, educational and edutainment books to the foundation to ensure that more learners and schools will be able to benefit and together we can #EmpowerThem

Community members and leaders who are available to support the drive in Randburg and/or Soweto can join our social warriors on Friday the 29th of July from 10:00 - 13:00 at the two locations:

Randburg: Takane Academy, 425 Agulhas Road,Bloubosrand, Randburg, 218

Soweto: Tshebedisanong Primary School, 1545 A Moreneng Street, CWJ, Soweto, 1868

If you would like more information on how you can lend a hand or for more information on the distribution locations, contact: Jasmine Black, [email protected]