Celebrating National Book Week with Sun International

During 6-12 September 2021, READ to RISE celebrated National Book Week with Sun International by visiting 8 schools around the country.

On 7 September 2021, Golden Valley Casino sponsored Care Packs for 160 learners at Esselen Primary School in Worcester. Each Care Pack had a new book, activity book, mask, soap, juice and snack.

To celebrate International Literacy Day on 8 September 2021, Sun International sponsored a book, pencil and bookmark for 390 learners at Ekukhanyisweni Primary School in Alexandra. 8 Mini-Libraries and 208 new story books were also given to the school. Thank you to the staff who joined to read to the learners and hand out books.

Sibaya Casino and Entertainment World sponsored 4 schools - Sibonginhlanla Primary School (Waterloo), Highstone Primary School (Phoenix), Siphosethu Primary School (Mount Edgecombe) and Redfern Primary School (Phoenix) - 756 learners received a brand new story book and activity book! In addition 19 mini-libraries were given to the Grade and 4 classes at the schools!

On 10 September 2021, Sun City sponsored books for 47 learners at SG Ntuane Primary School in the North West Province. As well as 2 Mini-Libraries and 50 new story books for the school.

On 14 September 2021, GrandWest Casino sponsored learners at Riverton Primary School in Bishop Lavis. 123 learners received their own new story book to take home. A Mini-Library was placed in each of the Grade 2-4 classes. The learners were treated to a visit by Miss South Africa Shudu Mshida who has given her own children's book.

We thank Sun International for partnering with READ to RISE for International Literacy Day and National Book Week!

A grand total of 4,244 new books were given out during National Book Week!

Meet Programme Facilitator Mark Klink

Mark Klink is a Programme Facilitator at Read to Rise who grew up in Mitchells Plain. He is fantastic with children and is a great storyteller.

"Joining Read to Rise has given me the opportunity to give back to my community. I believe in the power of literacy and want to share my passion for life through the Oaky book series. I believe that if we all work together we can make the world a better place!" says Mark.

Meet Programme Facilitator Nadia Salie

Nadia Salie is a Programme facilitator at Read to Rise as well as a student in education at CPUT. She is energetic, encouraging and dedicated to helping children to reach their full potential.

"Read to Rise has helped me affirm my passion for teaching whilst encouraging and supporting children with reading and enhancing their love for it."

Dr Suess wrote: "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places that you'll go."

"Reading opens up our minds to the endless possibilities that we can strive towards. I use my passion to encourage our young minds to do the same." says Nadia.