African Sun Media, together with Usiko Foundation have initiated a Stellenbosch literacy collaboration to help counter the damage done to learners missing out on critical educational development during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The students of Jamestown had limited exposure to school settings during the hard lockdown and up until today still, only go to school 5 out of 10 days. Many emanating from disadvantaged backgrounds where many of their parents are also literacy challenged, thereby unable to afford their children home-schooling, these learners also have little to no access to books and printed material, which has affected their levels of competency.

African Sun Media are on a mission to change the narrative and give these children the opportunity to engage with literacy. “We have created the Stellenbosch Children's Book Drive where books will be collected at participating schools in Stellenbosch and donated to Usiko where these children can interact with the books," said project co-ordinator Marine van As.

The Book Drive will commence on the 18^th of June to the 8^th of July with collection points at Eikestad Primary, Rhenish Primary and Waldorf School. “We call on the people of Stellenbosch to give the gift of reading by donating their pre-loved foundation phase books. A dedicated collection point will be situated at each school making it easy to drop off the books. Donations can also be dropped off at the Usiko Foundation in Jamestown," said van As.

We believe that this is not only the right thing to do but our duty to create a better future for those who may not have the opportunities to do so, and hopefully assist in reversing the cycle of poverty,"

African Sun Media's Managing Director, Nirode Bramdaw concluded, “The initiative will culminate in the setting up of a reading facility in Jamestown on July 18^th, to honour a great South African, who famously said, 'A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination, but when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special'."

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:

Mariné van As 021 201 0071 Mail to: [email protected]

ABOUT AFRICAN SUN MEDIA:

African Sun Media is a specialist supplier of graphic design, digital marketing, print and publishing services for the higher education market and the private sector. An innovative and forward-thinking company; it is consistently committed to creating and delivering results that are of the highest quality. African Sun Media was founded in 2003 and has a print and production plant at Stellenbosch University, which it represents as its scholarly press and print partner.

ABOUT USIKO:

Usiko Stellenbosch is an NPO based in Jamestown, Stellenbosch, that uses a 'rites of passage' approach to provide guidance to at-risk young people who encounter psycho-social challenges emanating in their communities; some are on the brink of expulsion from school and others are indulging in risky behaviour and may find themselves in trouble with the law. By using mentoring, wilderness and group activities, young people are empowered to see the value of education and work towards a hopeful future.